Tips for Taking Standardized Tests

Taking standardized tests can be very stressful. Following these standardized test taking tips can reduce your anxiety and enhance your performance.

Before the Test

• Spend time working through standardized test practice items for several weeks before your scheduled test date.
• Find out if there is a score penarly for wrong answers so that your will know whether you should guess at answers you don't know.
• Get a good night's sleep the evening before the test.
• Eat a healthy, protein-rich breakfast the morning of your test.
• Arrive at the testing facility a few minutes early.
• Relax your mind before the test begins.

During the Test

• Read the instructions carefully.
• Read each question carefully, paying attention to details.
• Pay attention to time passing in relation to the time allotment.
• Don't get distracted by other testers in the room.
• If you come across a question that is difficult, don't spend all of your time on it. Move on and come back to it at the end.
• Don't second guess yourself by changing your first answers unless you are 100% certain.
• Don't fall into the trap of looking for patterns in the answers. There really can be three (or more) "C" answers in a row.
• When you are finished, look closely to make sure that you haven't overlooked any questions.