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Top Ten: Things to Remember for SATs and ACTs

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Let’s face it—it’s that time of year again. It’s time for decisions and applications, exams and projects, and of course—standardized tests.

No one really likes them but they are practically impossible to avoid. So take a deep breath and remember these ten things.

10 Think like the test maker not the test taker. When you look at multiple choice questions most of the time answer can be narrowed down between two answers. Don’t be too quick to assume the answer. Consider all the answers and then make an educated guess if you are still unsure. Don’t overthink it.

9         Process of elimination is often revered as one of the best test taking strategies. No one expects you to know every answer on the exam. When you don’t know the answer you are best off eliminating the ones you know are wrong and then moving from there. Who knows, you might just get it right.
8 So there is an answer you don’t know. Let’s face it; it happens to the best of us. No one is perfect so when you get to questions you don’t know just breathe and try reading it again. Still don’t get it? That’s okay too. You can always come back to a question within a section and sometimes when we look at a question later the answer can suddenly become clear. Just remember it’s only one question.
The reading section. For some this is the best part and for others it is dreaded. No matter which way you are there is a good way to handle the passages and their questions. First scan the piece and read any sections headers or bolded words. Then read the questions before going back and reading the actual passage. Mark up the passage as you read and hopefully when you reach the questions again they will seem familiar and easy.
6 The math section. Maybe this is the section you look forward to the most or maybe you would rather do another section of reading comprehension. Regardless the math section is often easier than perceived. The answers are always provided for you. Because it is multiple choice, sometimes it is quicker to do a check plugging in the various answers then actually solving the problem. Just remember if you don’t know the answer to one you are better off coming back than wasting time trying to solve a problem you don’t understand.
5 The science section. For me this was always the section that killed me. I’ve never been a huge science person and just the idea made me shudder. But don’t get overwhelmed almost all of the science is graph reading. Read the question and then look at the graph. Maybe you won’t understand the graph but often times you can still answer the question. Don’t get caught up in the introduction paragraphs or the complexities of the chart. Just look at it simply and try not to overthink it.
The night before. I’m sure you have heard it before—sleep is your best bet for good scores. No matter how much studying you do; you won’t do well if your body is tired and sluggish. Do your best to get a good’s night of sleep and don’t allow lack of sleep to hold you back.
The morning of. Give yourself enough time in the morning to really wake up before the exam. The last thing you want is to be in the exam and still feel half asleep. Eat a good breakfast to give you energy for the rest of the day and don’t forget to bring a snack with you. Food that is high in protein is often a good choice.
2 They aren’t everything.  It may seem like it at the time—but your standardized test scores are not everything. They do not tell schools or people everything about you and they never could. Some people are better and tests and some just aren’t. Either way that is okay—and either way you can still get into college regardless of how great or poor your scores are. And don’t forget you can always retake them.
Try your best. At the end of the day that is all that really matters. If you put your best effort in the test that is all anyone could ask of you. So when it comes down to it—remember breath, you have everything you need.