Tips for Surviving the Test

Think positively, but watch out for careless mistakes. Here are a  few other tips to keep you on the right track!

• Get some practice well in advance of the real test. Taking a practice test under simulated test-taking conditions will allow you to learn about your strengths and areas in need of improvement.

• Explore your preparation options. There are many to choose from. Text books, computer software, tutoring, and classes are all available to help you feel confident as you go into the test.

• Take it easy the night before. If you don’t already know the information, you’re not going to “cram” it in at the last moment.

• Give yourself plenty of time the morning of the test. If you’ve been running around trying to find your keys while drinking a cup of coffee, only to realize none of your pencils have been sharpened, you won’t be in the right mindset.

• Don’t forget your ID and admissions ticket! You may be able to find a pencil at the testing site, but you don’t want to have to go home for your ID and/or ticket.

• Eat well and often. A light breakfast and then a snack or two during the breaks in the test should give you enough energy to keep going the whole day.

• Don’t spend too much time on any one question. Focus on your strengths and use your time wisely.

• Use process of elimination (POE). If you’re having trouble with a question, get rid of the answers that are just not possible. Narrow it down from there.

• Check yourself. Review your answers for any careless mistakes, but ONLY if you have time at the end of the test.

• Stay positive. Colleges look at your highest scores in each section, so don’t worry if you don’t think you did your best on one particular test. And remember, colleges look at other factors too.