TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | APRIL 8-14, 2022
23
FIVE TIPS TO ACE COLLEGE ENTRY EXAMS
Because most colleges and universities
require applicants to submit
ACT or SAT results as part of admissions
consideration, prepping for
the test itself can be a critical component
of that process.
While it can oftentimes be hard to deal
with the anxiety that comes with a rigorous
test meant to show your mastery of
certain subjects and concepts, such as
reading and mathematics, consider these
test prep tips to help boost your score
while simultaneously lowering stress.
Register early
To allow yourself as much flexibility
as possible, taking college entrance exams
during your junior year of high school is
encouraged. If you don’t get an ideal score,
you can refine your approach and retake
the exam with a better idea of what to
expect.
Take a practice test
Any test prep plan should start with a
practice SAT or ACT exam. Taking practice
tests under realistic conditions can
help you gain a better understanding of
the content of the test, improve your time
management and help combat test anxiety.
You can use your practice test as a baseline
to set goals and focus the rest of your prep
on areas you would like to improve before
the real thing.
Sign up for a prep course
If you find studying on your own difficult
or not as successful as you’d hoped,
a prep course can put you through the
paces and hold you accountable. Complete
with homework and in-class practice,
prep classes can range from small
groups to larger classes taught by test
experts. Some school districts even offer
after-school programs dedicated to ACT
or SAT prep.
Gather supplies
To help reduce test day stress, gather
everything you’ll need the night before.
Check the list of banned items - cellphones
aren’t permitted - to make sure
you don’t accidentally bring something
you’re not allowed to have. Ensure your
bag is packed with your admission ticket,
valid photo identification, several sharpened
pencils with erasers, an approved
calculator (with fresh batteries) and a
watch, if allowed.
Get a good night’s sleep
and eat breakfast
While it can be tempting to stay up late
the night before the test to cram, you’re
likely to perform better with a full night’s
sleep. Sleep is important for retention,
and eating a balanced breakfast before
heading out the door can aid in your ability
to focus. To make your morning easier,
prep breakfast before bed to keep an early
morning from starting even earlier.
Remember, the college admissions
process involves more than just test
scores. Visit eLivingtoday.com for more
education tips and information.
— Courtesy of Family Features
COLLEGE GUIDE
/QNS.COM
/eLivingtoday.com
