On Saturday, March 9th, many juniors reported to the high school, or another testing location, to board the emotional rollercoaster often referred to as standardized testing.
It may seem that there is nothing worse than waking up at six a.m. on a Saturday, reporting to school, and taking a lengthy, future-determining test. You’re completely right; nothing beats it.
Sadly, there aren’t any ways to make standardized testing “fun,” but taking the SATs are something that has to be done. Luckily, there are a few tricks to minimize your stress (slightly) and hopefully save you from taking the SAT upwards of five times.
1. Take the test multiple times.
Your first testing session can be very discouraging, but don’t let it get you down.
“It’s a different kind of test,” junior Makena Glemser said, “so I think I will have to take it a few times to get used to it.”
You’ll be surprised at how much your scores improve from the first to the second test, just because you know what to expect (and you followed these tips). Keep testing and your scores will keep improving.
2. Bring good, sugary snacks.
Don’t listen to what your parents tell you about bringing healthy, protein-packed snacks for breaks. It’s a lie. Look for yummy snacks with the highest sugar content on the shelf (i.e. Pop Tarts and Mountain Dew).
“[The tests] got harder as I progressed because I got tired and bored,” junior Memory Linden said. “It was just so monotonous.”
These snacks will give you a huge burst of energy and definitely keep you from zoning out or getting foggy. You should, however, be prepared for your mom to give you the “sugar will cause you to crash later” speech. You can assure her that well before you embark on sugar’s downward spiral, you will have another break and be able to inhale upwards of two mini Mountain Dew bottles.
You should also be sure to bring snacks that you consider a “treat.” After each excruciating testing period, reward yourself. You sure do deserve it.
3. The ACT is the best backup plan ever.
In the northeast most students assume that the SAT is the only way to impress colleges. The ACT is another standardized test that is less of an aptitude test and much more knowledge-based. Virtually every college and university accepts the ACT and values it just as much as the SAT.
If you can’t seem to get your SAT scores as high as you would like, try the ACT. Some students are much more inclined to the setup and style of the ACT. You may surprise yourself.
4. What even is a “subject test?”
Are you applying to Harvard, Yale, Princeton, or Stanford? No? Then chances are subject tests will be completely irrelevant and unnecessary. The bottom line is if you have to ask what they are, you probably don’t have to take them.
Warning: these four tips will only help you survive standardized testing. They aren’t guaranteed to raise your scores. I hate to break it to you, but for that you should probably turn to your SAT prep class.
