By Caitlin O'Sullivan, @deca.caitlin | Florida Atlantic University High School, FL
With school in full swing, students constantly face endless homework assignments and studying. However, for many, these assignments pale in comparison to the rigor of a test. No matter the grade level, testing is a regular part of school and DECA alike, and the fall season is especially filled with standardized tests like the PSAT and SAT. To help, here are some tips and tricks to approach any type of test you may have this year!
Tip 1: Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
Just like how cramming right before a test can only do so much, going to sleep early the night before a test will not magically cure sleep deprivation and fatigue. It is imperative to be well rested for an activity as mentally challenging as an exam in order to do well. As a result, try to start going to bed earlier in the 3-7 days leading up to a test, not just the night before. This will gradually adjust your internal body clock and help your body recover from any sleepless nights prior. Plus, the more rested you are, the sharper your mind will be on test day!
Tip 2: Trust Your Instincts
One of the hardest parts about testing is making sure you don’t fall captive to self-doubt. The phrase “you are your own worst enemy” might as well have been written about test-taking, because trusting your instincts truly can make-or-break an exam! When it comes to multiple-choice exams, you might find yourself stuck between two plausible answers. In these cases, your initial answer will more often than not be the best choice. Sticking with your gut instincts is key to success, so be sure to only change your answers if you misread a question or made a glaring mistake. Do not feed into self-doubt, and move on in a test if you feel yourself beginning to overthink!
Tip 3: Move On If You Need To
Undoubtedly, one of the hardest parts about testing is time management. Many tests involve time limits, with standardized exams such as the SAT or ACT being a prime example. In these types of situations, you often do not have time to fully evaluate challenging questions in as much depth as you may like. As a result, do not be afraid to move on and go back to a question. It is okay to leave a “placeholder” answer and go back if you feel that you are spending too much time on a single problem. Selecting a temporary answer does not mean you will never go back to the question, it just ensures that you do not run out of time for the rest of the test!
Tip 4: Know What Works For You
Unfortunately, there is no single study method to use when preparing for a test. Each person has different studying strategies that work for them, and that is completely normal. What matters the most is knowing what helps you succeed. Don’t be afraid to dabble in different study methods to learn what works if you aren’t sure what that may be! From hand-writing notes to doing practice tests to working collaboratively with peers, there are so many different ways to prepare and retain information. Plus, what might work for one person may not work well for another, so be mindful of that as well!
