Standardized Testing Tips

Standardized Testing Tips

The SAT reasoning test is administered seven times a year in the U.S. The ACT placement test is administered six times a year. Many students will take these exams multiple times in an effort to improve their scores. There is no doubt that if you do well with these major exams, you should be able to handle standardized tests in the future.

What if you’re new to the standardized test taking process? How do you mentally and physically prepare for one? Well here are some tips for taking standardized tests:

Do your homework.
Go to the library and look for books that pertain to the test that you’re taking. Arco, Peterson’s and CliffsNotes publish test prep books for a number of standardized and professional exams. It doesn’t hurt to check one out and take a look at the sample questions. This will give you an idea of what the test could be like.

Eat the most important meal of the day.
Make sure you eat breakfast the morning of your test. You’ll be able to concentrate better.
Besides, wouldn’t it be hard to focus when your stomach is growling non-stop?

Be prepared.
On test day, make sure you bring a couple of sharpened pencils and whatever else you’ll need that day.  It’s also a good idea to arrive early so you can check in and relax before you take the exam.

Assume nothing.
Make sure that you carefully read the directions for each section of the test. If you don’t, you could unwittingly wreck your test score…and the chance to get into your school of choice.

Use your test time wisely.
If you finish your exam before time is up, use that extra time to review your test. Go over your answers to make sure you marked them correctly. It also helps to look over your test because you may remember something you forgot earlier.

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Filed in: College Preparation.

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  1. Comment by Bob Gilvey:

    Relative to:
    “Do your homework.
    Go to the library and look for books that pertain to the test that you’re taking. Arco, Peterson’s and CliffsNotes publish test prep books for a number of standardized and professional exams. It doesn’t hurt to check one out and take a look at the sample questions. This will give you an idea of what the test could be like.”

    I would add “The Official SAT Study Guide” to your prep resources. Published by The College Board, it is the ONLY book that contains real SAT questions, developed by the test designers themselves.

    Source: http://www.amazon.com/Official-SAT-Study-Guide/dp/0874477182

    Bob Gilvey of http://www.selectprep.com
    Caldwell, NJ

    05.06.09 @ 4:57 am

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