We're Talking About PRACTICE
"When you're not practicing, someone else is getting better."
-Allen Iverson
Getting the Most out of PRACTICE
It’s been 15 years since Allen Iverson’s 'practice' press conference, so today is quite fitting to talk about PRACTICE for your next standardized test. If you’re not already planning to do some practice tests before the real thing, we urge you to reconsider. One of the biggest challenges facing test takers is the clock. Practice tests afford you the chance to see how your pace is and assess whether or not you are likely to finish on time. They also allow you to become familiar with directions, test layout, and question types.
When you choose to practice, follow these guidelines to get the most out of your effort. Given the finite number of official practice tests that exist, you want to maximize the utility of each one.
Set a timer and hold to it, but take the designated breaks. You need to be brutally honest with yourself.
Use a bubble sheet. The seconds it takes to fill in each answer can add up, especially when you need to erase.
Leave nothing blank. Neither the SAT nor the ACT has a guessing penalty, so there’s only harm in not guessing.
If you needed to guess to finish a section, use a colored marker to try those questions and time how long it takes. This will let you know how much time you must shave.
Have someone else mark the ones you missed. This prevents you from seeing the correct answers and talking yourself into them.
Retry any missed questions in another color. Check these second answers yourself.
Score your test based on your original responses. Score your test based on the second responses.
Read answer explanations or have someone explain the answers to you for questions you were unable to get right.
Work with a tutor, watch online videos, or read books/articles for advice.
Repeat as needed.
Once you’ve done a few practice tests you’ll have a good idea of what to expect come test day.
Good luck and remember that those of us at CAPITAL Test Prep are here to help you. Email info@capitaltestprep.com to get the wheels in motion; hopefully we can be THE ANSWER for you.