Brought to you by the
American School Counselor Association
1. Be Equipped
On the night before the test you should gather everything you'll need:
the admission ticket, a valid form of photo identification, several #2
pencils, a calculator with fresh batteries (for the SAT only), a
watch, and a high-energy snack
2. Don't Cram
You've worked hard. The best thing to do the evening before the test
is to get a good night's sleep. You've covered the content and you've
perfected the skills. Now it's time to get in test mode -- calm,
rested, confident, and ready.
3. Dress
Comfortably
The climate in test centers can vary from sauna-like to frigid. Be
prepared for both extremes and everything in-between. You need to be
comfortable to do your best.
4. Arrive Early
You may want to scope out your test location before test day to ensure
that you know where you're going. Getting to the test should be the
least of your concerns.
5. Don't Spend too
Much Time on One Question
Each question is worth the same number of points. If a question is
confusing or too time-consuming, don't lose your cool. Instead, move
on to greener pastures. You can come back to hard questions if you
have time at the end of a section.
6. Don't Look for
Unscored Questions/Sections
The experimental section on the SAT is well-camouflaged. Sometimes the
ACT contains experimental questions that are scattered throughout the
sections. Do your best on every question--that way, you're covered.
7. Keep Track of
Where You Are in a Section
On the SAT, obvious answer choices early in a set may be correct.
Obvious choices near the end of a set are often booby traps.
8. Guess
Aggressively
If you don't know an answer, don't leave the question blank or guess
randomly. Eliminate the choices you know are wrong, then make an
educated guess from the remaining options. Remember, if you can
eliminate even one answer choice then it pays to guess on the SAT.
9. Be Careful
Filling in the Answer Grid
Make sure you're filling in answers next to the right numbers.
10. Relax
Your attitude and outlook are crucial to your test-day performance. Be
confident.
|