Standardized tests can be stressful, but with the right strategies, you can approach them with confidence and maximize your performance. Kaplan, a leader in test preparation, highlights five essential tips to help you excel on test day. In this post, we’ll dive into these tips and how they can make a difference in your test-taking experience.
1. Triage the Test: Work Smarter, Not Harder
One of the most effective strategies for standardized testing is to triage your test. Think of it as managing your time and energy wisely. Here’s how it works:
- First Pass: Start by answering all the easy questions—the ones you know immediately and can answer in less than 30 seconds. These “quick wins” will build your confidence and help you secure points early on. Tag questions that you know how to but may take time to figure out for the second pass. During this pass if you encounter a question that you have no clue how to do, choose your “Letter of the Day” and move on – do not tag it.
- Second Pass: Next, tackle questions that you know how to answer but are more time-consuming. This step allows you to spend your time on questions that are worth your effort and knowledge. As before, if you encounter a question that you have no clue how to do, choose your “Letter of the Day” and move on – do not tag it.
- Third Pass: Finally, return to the harder questions that stumped you earlier. By the time you reach this stage, you’ll have answered most of the test, so there’s less pressure to get every remaining question right. As in the previous pass, if you encounter a question that you have no clue how to do, choose your “Letter of the Day” and move on.
This three-pass system ensures you use your time efficiently and don’t get bogged down by challenging questions early on.
2. Master the Art of Elimination
When you’re unsure of the correct answer, eliminating wrong choices can significantly increase your odds of success. If you can identify even one or two answer choices as incorrect, your chances of guessing correctly improve dramatically.
For instance, if you can narrow down a four-option multiple-choice question to two plausible answers, you have a 50% chance of guessing correctly. That’s far better than leaving the question blank or choosing randomly.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to absolutes like “always” or “never” in answer choices—they are often red flags for incorrect options.
3. Use a “Letter of the Day” for Tough Questions
You’ve heard the phrase “Letter of the Day” mentioned in this post in method one. Let’s dig into it a little more here. Sometimes, you’ll encounter questions that completely stump you. This is where having a pre-determined “letter of the day” becomes a game-changer.
How it works:
Before the test begins, choose a default letter (e.g., “C” or “B”) to use when you’re forced to guess. When you encounter a question you truly can’t answer, select your chosen letter and move on.
This strategy ensures that you don’t waste valuable time agonizing over questions you’re unlikely to solve. Plus, sticking to a consistent letter prevents the stress of second-guessing your guesses.
4. Learn the Material: Preparation is Key
While strategies and tricks are helpful, there’s no substitute for knowing the material. Standardized tests often come with study guides or an outline of the topics they cover. Use these resources to your advantage.
- Study Wisely: Focus on areas where you’re weakest to maximize improvement. Take a practice test to identify areas of weakness.
- Seek Help: If needed, enlist a tutor or join a study group to ensure you’re fully prepared. At The Study Hall Edu we offer prep classes like the ACE the Digital SAT. This course is designed for students whether homeschool, public school, or private school who want to have an academic advantage when it comes to taking the new digital SAT. Click here to get started and ACE the Digital SAT today!
- Use Official Practice Tests: These often mirror the actual test format and difficulty, helping you feel more familiar and confident on test day. Khan Academy has a great program to help people prepare for the SAT. Click here to get started with the Khan Academy Digital SAT Prep Course today!
Remember, no strategy can replace the confidence that comes from thorough preparation.
5. Practice, Practice, Practice
Testing is a skill, and like any skill, it improves with practice. Working through practice tests not only reinforces your knowledge but also helps you get comfortable with the test format and timing.
Benefits of Practicing:
- Builds Endurance: Testing can be mentally and physically draining. Practice helps you build the stamina needed for test day.
- Reduces Anxiety: Familiarity with the types of questions and test structure can alleviate pre-test nerves.
- Improves Timing: Regular practice helps you understand how long to spend on each question and stay within the time limit.
Take advantage of online resources, test-prep books, and any practice materials provided by your test administrator.
Bonus Tip: Stay Positive and Prepared
Beyond these five tips, remember that your mindset matters. Approach test day with confidence, knowing you’ve prepared as best as you can. Bring all necessary materials, like pencils, erasers, a calculator (if allowed), and a watch to help manage your time.
To help you feel extra prepared, we’ve created a Test Survival Kit packed with helpful resources. Click here to get yours today!
What Are Your Go-To Test-Prep Strategies?
Everyone has unique ways to prepare for standardized tests. Whether it’s flashcards, group study sessions, or a lucky pre-test ritual, we’d love to hear what works for you. Share your tips in the comments below!
With these five strategies in your toolkit, you’ll be ready to tackle your next standardized test with confidence. Good luck—you’ve got this!
