Standardized tests are a common requirement for college and graduate school admissions in the United States and many other countries. They are designed to measure your academic skills and potential in various areas, such as math, reading, writing, and reasoning. Depending on the level and field of study you are applying for, you may need to take one or more of these tests: SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT.
While standardized tests are not the only factor that determines your admission chances, they are often a significant one. Moreover, they can also affect your eligibility for scholarships, grants, and other forms of financial aid. Therefore, it is important to prepare well for these tests and aim for the highest score possible.
In this article, we will share some of the best strategies and resources for acing the standardized tests and improving your chances of getting a scholarship. We will cover the following topics:
- How to choose the right test for your goals
- How to plan your study schedule and materials
- How to practice effectively and efficiently
- How to manage your time and stress during the test
- How to apply for scholarships based on your test scores
How to Choose the Right Test for Your Goals
The first step to acing the standardized tests is to choose the right test for your goals. Different tests have different formats, content, and scoring systems, so you need to know which one suits your needs and preferences best. Here are some tips to help you choose the right test for your goals:
- Research the requirements of the schools and programs you are interested in. Some schools may require or prefer a specific test, while others may accept any test or none at all. You can check the websites of the schools and programs or contact the admissions offices to find out their test requirements.
- Compare the formats and content of the tests. Each test has its own structure, length, and types of questions. For example, the SAT has four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with and without calculator), and Essay (optional). The ACT has five sections: English, Math, Reading, Science, and Writing (optional). The GRE has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. You can find more information about the formats and content of the tests on their official websites or in the web search results.
- Assess your strengths and weaknesses. Some tests may be easier or harder than others based on your academic background, skills, and interests. For example, if you are good at math and science, you may prefer the ACT over the SAT, as the ACT has a science section and more advanced math questions. If you are good at verbal and analytical skills, you may prefer the GRE over the GMAT, as the GRE has more vocabulary and reading comprehension questions. You can take some practice or diagnostic tests to identify your strengths and weaknesses and choose the test that matches your strengths.
- Consider your availability and budget. Different tests have different schedules, fees, and locations. You need to consider how much time and money you can invest in taking and preparing for the test. For example, the SAT and ACT are offered several times a year, usually on Saturdays, and cost around $50-$60. The GRE and GMAT are offered year-round, on weekdays and weekends, and cost around $200-$250. The LSAT and MCAT are offered a few times a year, on weekdays and weekends, and cost around $200-$300. You can check the official websites of the tests or the web search results to find out the tests’ dates, fees, and locations.
How to Plan Your Study Schedule and Materials
The next step to acing the standardized tests is to plan your study schedule and materials. You need to have a clear and realistic plan of how much time you will spend on studying, what topics you will cover, and what resources you will use. Here are some tips to help you plan your study schedule and materials:
- Start early and be consistent. The best way to prepare for standardized tests is to start early and study regularly. Ideally, you should start studying at least two to three months before the test date, and devote at least an hour or two per day to your test preparation. This will help you build your skills, confidence, and stamina, and avoid cramming and stress.
- Set your target score and track your progress. Before you start studying, you should clearly know what score you need or want to achieve on the test. You can research the average scores or the score ranges of the schools and programs you are applying for, or set your own goal based on your abilities and ambitions. You should also track your progress by periodically taking practice tests or quizzes and comparing your results with your target score. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and adjust your study plan accordingly.
- Choose your study materials wisely. There are many resources available for standardized test preparation, such as books, online courses, apps, websites, tutors, and test prep companies. You should choose the ones that suit your learning style, budget, and preferences. Some of the most popular and reputable resources for standardized test preparation are:
- Khan Academy: A free online platform that offers personalized and interactive lessons, videos, exercises, and practice tests for the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.
- Magoosh: An online test prep company that offers affordable and comprehensive courses, videos, questions, and practice tests for the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.
- The Princeton Review: A test prep company that offers various options, such as books, online courses, live classes, tutoring, and practice tests for the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT.
- College Essay Guy: A website that offers guidance and resources for writing college essays, personal statements, and scholarship essays, as well as tips and strategies for the SAT and ACT.
Tips For Managing Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is a common problem that affects many students who have to take exams. It can cause physical and mental symptoms, such as sweating, nausea, nervousness, feeling overwhelmed, and having a blank mind. Test anxiety can interfere with your test performance, well-being, and attitudes toward school.
Fortunately, there are some tips that can help you cope with and reduce test anxiety. Here are some of them:
- Prepare well for the test. Knowing the material and being confident in your abilities is the best way to overcome test anxiety. Study regularly, review the topics, and take practice tests. Use effective study methods, such as writing notes, making flashcards, and quizzing yourself. Choose the study materials that suit your learning style, budget, and preferences. Some popular and reputable test preparation resources are Khan Academy, Magoosh, The Princeton Review, and College Essay Guy12.
- Get enough sleep, eat healthy, and exercise. These are important factors for your physical and mental health, as well as your test performance. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep the night before the test, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and eat a balanced breakfast. Exercise can also help you relieve stress, improve your mood, and boost your brain function.
- Arrive early and be prepared. Make sure you have everything you need for the test, such as your ID, pencils, calculator, and water. Arrive at the test location at least 15 minutes before the test starts, so you can find your seat, relax, and mentally prepare yourself. Avoid talking to other anxious students, as they may increase your nervousness.
- Use relaxation techniques during the test. If you feel anxious or stressed during the test, try to calm yourself down by using some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or positive affirmations. You can also use visualization to imagine yourself doing well on the test and achieving your goals.
- Manage your time and focus on the task. Read the instructions carefully, and plan how much time you will spend on each section or question. Start with the easy questions first, and skip the ones you don’t know or are unsure about. You can come back to them later if you have time. Don’t worry about how others are doing, or what the outcome will be. Just focus on the question before you, and do your best.
