SAT Test Taking Techniques
The most basic thing that an examiner must do when preparing for an exam is to gather basic information. In this way, you will be able to determine what strategies to take when taking the exam. Knowing your strengths regarding the exam topics can help since you already know what topics need to be studied deeply.
Meanwhile some techniques or tips are given below that can hopefully help you maximize your SAT scores.
1. Mindset
As sayings have it, "It all starts in the mind." Condition your mind with a positive attitude. Take the exam with energy and focus. Do not entertain negative thoughts and do not let tough questions panic you. Remember, you can always go back to that question later and do the others first.
2. Skip Around
When taking exams, it is inevitable to encounter questions that will freeze you up, eat your time and give you the jitters. If you find such questions, do not panic. Panic usually causes one to experience mental block. Instead, try going to the next question and answer them. It will somehow lift your spirit.
3. Scribble
Do not be afraid to maximize your questionnaires. Use marks to distinguish items that you are uncertain about from the ones that you are sure of. Moreover, check the ones that you have finished and encircle the ones that you can not answer and go back to them later when you have finished the other items.
4. Cross Out
When you are answering a question, immediately cross out the items that you think are incorrect. Cross out as many as possible so that the correct answer will become clear to you. However, if you find it confusing, choose the best pick from the remaining items.
5. Time Yourself
When reviewing at home, time yourself. In this way, you will know how long it takes you to finish a question or an entire section. Meanwhile, try to keep up with a steady rate of 1 minute per question.
6. Know How Long to Spend on Questions
Try to keep in mind the number of minutes allotted for each section. This will help you to be aware not to spend too much time in one item.
7. Math Tips
Try to recall the formula that you have studied and write them down immediately.
8. Reading Tips
Briefly go through the questions before going through the passages. Be reminded that what you want to accomplish is to answer every question and not to understand entirely the whole passage. If a specific part of the passage is referred by the question, mark that part so that you will know what part to concentrate on.
9. Essay Tips
Though you dont need to study very much to answer the essay part, you should have a strategy in mind on how to answer it. Read and try to understand the topic first then organize your thoughts and make an outline. If you have finished the outline, begin writing the true essay.