Top Tips for Acing Any Standardized Test

We recently posted our Top Tips for Acing any School Exam and now we bring you our top tips for acing any standardized test!

STUDY EFFICIENTLY FOR STANDARDIZED EXAMS

When preparing for the ACT, SAT, AP exams, SSAT/ISEE, or any other standardized test, the best approach is… you guessed it: to start early and with a strategy! Certain standardized exams test content, expecting students to memorize and regurgitate large volumes of information. For these types of exams, many of the approaches discussed above may also be employed: create an Ultimate Study Guide, for example, for each unit of your AP U.S. History course as you go through them either in class, on your own, or with a tutor. Other standardized exams test skills, such as whether a student has developed a certain level of critical reading, writing, or problem solving. It’s important to know early on what kind of test you’re studying for and how best to prepare for it. Top Tier’s AP tutors, SAT tutors, ACT tutors, and SSAT/ISEE tutors can help you decide the best approach for the test that you’re taking.

Think like a test creator. Study the various question types that will appear on the exam either on your own or with a tutor until you become so familiar with the test that you truly could write it yourself. (In fact, this is one of our tutor’s favorite strategies — a “write the test” session taking place in the student’s final month of test prep.)

And remember to time yourself. We’ve already touched upon this above, but when it comes to standardized exams, it bears repeating: practicing under timed pressure is critical. Our SAT and ACT tutors are skilled at helping students get comfortable with the quick tempo of the exams. Our tutors can also assign targeted homework assignments to build both skills and speed.

WHAT TO DO ON TEST DAY

So, you started studying well in advance of the exam, you’re very well prepared, and today is the big day. What do you do on test day?

1. A great test day begins the night before. It’s common sense, but studies have proven that good sleep hygiene is associated with better mental health. If your head is in a good place, you’re more likely to have a solid game-time performance. Turn off all blue-light-emitting devices well before bedtime, don’t drink caffeine in the afternoon, keep your bedroom cool and dark, and remember to get eight hours of sleep.
2. Eat a healthy breakfast. According to studies, eating a healthy breakfast is correlated with academic achievement. Plus, nobody wants to hear a rumbling tummy during the big test. Do yourself and your neighbors a favor and sit down for a nice, leisurely breakfast the morning of the test.
3. Pack your bag with any and all materials you’ll need for the exam. Bring your pencils, pens, calculator, and, of course, your Ultimate Study Guide for last minute review. Remember not to overdo it on test day. Flip through your notes, maybe warm up with a mock question or two, and then let it go. You’ve done the hard work; nothing you do the morning of the exam will move the needle, so give yourself a well-deserved break!
4. Arrive at school earlier than usual. Running late produces unnecessary anxiety that may interfere with your ability to perform at your best. Allot time for traffic, train delays, herds of sheep crossing the street… whatever!
5. Practice mindfulness if you start feeling stressed. Here are some great tips on managing test-day anxiety.
6. Check in with your tutor if you’re feeling nervous or have a question. Our tutors are always available via phone, text, email, and video conference to guide you.

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