FIVE TIPS TO HELP ACE
COLLEGE ENTRY EXAMS
TIMESLEDGER | QNS.COM | APRIL 9-APRIL 15, 2021 15
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 - cell phones 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
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