Test-Taking Tips
Tips for Any Timed, Standardized Test
I've taken the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and multiple timed certification exams for college admissions and for my professional career. The following are some tips that come from my own experience as a student and test-taker.
1. Find everything you need for the test the night before. The last thing I want to worry about on the morning of test day is, "Where is my stuff?" Here is a checklist of the things I locate and put together the night before the test:
- a "test day" outfit. It's not a fashion show; wear something comfortable and dress in layers so that you can take a layer
off or put one on depending on how you feel. I always wear socks so I can kick my shoes off under my desk if they start
to bother me.
- a photo ID
- the admissions slip, if needed. (Many tests require that you bring a "ticket" with you to show that you've registered for
that test, and they won't let you in to take the test without it). The SAT/MME test right here at school won't require this.
- a *handful* of sharpened #2 pencils (Ticonderogas are my personal favorite!). I usually bring 5 or 6, along with a big
eraser. I don't want to waste time having to sharpen a broken pencil during a test! Time is everything!
- a calculator (make sure it is on the list of "approved calculators" allowed by the test
**Put fresh batteries in the calculator and make sure the calculator turns on!**
2. Eat breakfast. Timed tests are LONG and DRAINING. Just like you would before any strenuous activity, be sure to "fuel up" in the morning. Focus on "brain fuel" -- protein and carbs. Try not to overload on things to drink. Although you'll most likely get to take bathroom breaks during the test, you won't get any extra time if you take one in the *middle* of the test. In addition, needing to "go" is distracting and may negatively impact your focus.
3. Arrive early. Being early will allow you a few minutes to relax and psych yourself up for the test. Being barely on time will cause stress, and starting a difficult test already feeling stressed out can impact your performance. Don't arrive late; you will probably not be allowed to take the test.
4. Before each test, mentally rehearse the strategies you plan to use. If you know that the reading test is coming up next, remind yourself to look for the passage genre you're best at instead of completing the test from #1 to #40. With this "game plan" in mind, you'll be able to start the test on the right track.
5. Take advantage of breaks. Stretch, sharpen your pencils, walk around a bit to loosen your muscles, visit the restroom... Use this opportunity to reenergize yourself before the next test section.
6. Use the clock to pace yourself. Know how much time you have before the test section ends, and look up at the clock from time to time in order to check your pace. When you get close to the end of the time limit, "zap" and make your best guesses. Never leave a question without an answer filled in.
I've taken the PSAT, SAT, ACT, and multiple timed certification exams for college admissions and for my professional career. The following are some tips that come from my own experience as a student and test-taker.
1. Find everything you need for the test the night before. The last thing I want to worry about on the morning of test day is, "Where is my stuff?" Here is a checklist of the things I locate and put together the night before the test:
- a "test day" outfit. It's not a fashion show; wear something comfortable and dress in layers so that you can take a layer
off or put one on depending on how you feel. I always wear socks so I can kick my shoes off under my desk if they start
to bother me.
- a photo ID
- the admissions slip, if needed. (Many tests require that you bring a "ticket" with you to show that you've registered for
that test, and they won't let you in to take the test without it). The SAT/MME test right here at school won't require this.
- a *handful* of sharpened #2 pencils (Ticonderogas are my personal favorite!). I usually bring 5 or 6, along with a big
eraser. I don't want to waste time having to sharpen a broken pencil during a test! Time is everything!
- a calculator (make sure it is on the list of "approved calculators" allowed by the test
**Put fresh batteries in the calculator and make sure the calculator turns on!**
2. Eat breakfast. Timed tests are LONG and DRAINING. Just like you would before any strenuous activity, be sure to "fuel up" in the morning. Focus on "brain fuel" -- protein and carbs. Try not to overload on things to drink. Although you'll most likely get to take bathroom breaks during the test, you won't get any extra time if you take one in the *middle* of the test. In addition, needing to "go" is distracting and may negatively impact your focus.
3. Arrive early. Being early will allow you a few minutes to relax and psych yourself up for the test. Being barely on time will cause stress, and starting a difficult test already feeling stressed out can impact your performance. Don't arrive late; you will probably not be allowed to take the test.
4. Before each test, mentally rehearse the strategies you plan to use. If you know that the reading test is coming up next, remind yourself to look for the passage genre you're best at instead of completing the test from #1 to #40. With this "game plan" in mind, you'll be able to start the test on the right track.
5. Take advantage of breaks. Stretch, sharpen your pencils, walk around a bit to loosen your muscles, visit the restroom... Use this opportunity to reenergize yourself before the next test section.
6. Use the clock to pace yourself. Know how much time you have before the test section ends, and look up at the clock from time to time in order to check your pace. When you get close to the end of the time limit, "zap" and make your best guesses. Never leave a question without an answer filled in.
