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COURIER LIFE, APRIL 8-14, 2022
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.
Try 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
Metro Creative Connection
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
Five tips to ace
college entry exams