Strategies for Mastering Standardized Tests
Although the subject matter of the tests is different, there are some general strategies to
keep in mind as you answer these standardized tests for college admissions.
Always learn the structure and directions for the test ahead of time. You can save
yourself a few seconds on each part of the test by doing this. A few seconds may not
seem like much, but if you only have 35 seconds to answer each question, a few seconds
can mean the difference between leaving a blank or getting another point.
Difficult questions are worth the same amount—one point—as easy questions.
Usually the tests are written so that the degree of difficulty of the questions increases as
you go through the test. Work hardest on the easy questions.
Tackle the questions in the order you want to answer them, not in the order the test
writers listed them. You can skip around on the SAT II tests. Move through the test
efficiently, and don’t waste time on questions you can’t answer immediately or by using
educated guessing. Finish the questions you understand first, and go back to the questions
you skipped if you have time at the end of the test.
Be careful when marking your answer sheet. Blacken ovals completely; erase answers
completely. If you skip a question, put a check next to it in your answer booklet, so you
can find it later if you have time to come back to unanswered questions. Be sure to leave
the answer oval for skipped questions blank. Don’t make the check mark on the answer
sheet because "stray" marks can confuse the machine scoring your test.
Use your test booklet for scratch paper. You can’t bring scratch paper, but you can
mark all over your test booklet if you need to try out an idea or work out a problem. Just
remember that the answers on the answer sheet are the only answers that count.
Use educated guessing if you don’t know an answer immediately but know something
about the content of the question and can eliminate one or two answer choices. It is true
that wrong answers result in quarterpoint deductions, but you would need to answer four
questions incorrectly to lose a full point. One correct answer gets you a full point.
Pace yourself. Write out a pacing schedule in your test booklet if you need to.
If you have to write an essay, remember that it’s quality, not quantity, that counts.
Try for a five-paragraph essay—an introduction that sets up the essay, three body
paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph that sums up your thesis and makes your point.
PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.