When you apply to college, you're competing with students from different schools across the country, each with its own grading standards. What your school considers a B could be an A or a C elsewhere. College admissions officers evaluating these applications need some kind of tool for comparing students from different backgrounds. This is why they turn to standardized admissions tests.
Exams like the SAT® and ACT can cause stress because they measure your performance on just one test, but this also works to your advantage. Standardized scores don't leave any room for interpretation. Unlike other components of your application, they allow you to demonstrate your skills on a level playing field.
These scores, of course, are hardly the last word on where you'll be accepted. When asked whether grades or test scores matter most, admissions officers invariably say grades, especially those in rigorous courses like AP® and honors classes. But with many schools counting on SAT or ACT scores to provide a way to fairly compare students, it's important to have a plan of attack for doing your best on these exams.
The Little Things Can Help You Test Your Best
Taking some small but crucial steps shortly before an exam will help you arrive relaxed and alert—and ready to perform your best.
- Know how you'll get to the test location. Some students, particularly those who don't register early, can end up assigned to a test site far from home. Make sure you print out and review directions if needed. Leave enough time in case you encounter unexpected delays.
- Get a good night's sleep before the exam. Set out your admission ticket, the No. 2 pencils you'll need, and fresh erasers before bed. Get up early enough to eat a good breakfast and arrive at the test site with time to spare.
- Bring a snack. You can't do your best if you're distracted by a growling stomach.
- Relax. Just do your best and try not to worry.
More Tips to Prepare You for Exams
You can also do several things in advance to ensure a successful testing experience.
- Do some research on the exam. You'll be more confident if you know what to expect. In addition, if you're familiar with different sections and directions in advance, you can save valuable time during the test.
- Complete practice exams. Taking a full-length practice test is a great way to prepare for an admissions exam, but there are alternatives. If you're planning on taking the SAT, try your hand at a couple of samples, say, one 30 math section and one 30 verbal section. To get the most out of this exercise, be sure to time yourself.
- Look at your patterns and pacing. As you score your practice work, pay attention to the kinds of questions that give you trouble and focus your preparation accordingly. How was your pacing? If you finished early and got easy questions wrong, slow down and read questions more thoroughly. If you didn't finish a section, that's another pacing problem. See if you can quickly rule out one or more answers as definitely wrong. This strategy will improve your chances of picking the right answer in a timely manner.
- Make a testing plan. Part of your testing strategy is deciding how many times to take a particular exam. It usually makes sense to take a test like the SAT twice. Scores often go up on a second try.
Most importantly, stay calm and keep things in perspective. Remember that admissions tests are only part of the applications picture. Challenging courses, good grades, commitment to extracurriculars, teacher recommendations, and strong admissions essays all contribute to creating a portrait of who you are. Familiarize yourself with the tests, do your best, and chances are, you'll do fine.