Cheat Code for Any Test: Before & During the Exam
Discover the 'cheat code' for any test - proven techniques to excel before and during the exam.
Standardized Test-taking Strategies
Test Confession Wall
Express feelings about tests
Write one word on a sticky note or phone to describe how tests make them feel, and post it on the 'Test Confession Wall'.
Introduce goal of using strategies
Using strategies to take control of test performance, not just magically loving tests.
Reflection questions
Students reflect on what hurts them more - not knowing the content or not knowing how to take the test.
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Before the Test: Setting Yourself Up to Win
Aim for at least 8 hours of quality sleep the night before the test to ensure your brain is well-rested and ready to perform at its best.
Fuel your body with a nutritious meal that includes a mix of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats to provide sustained energy throughout the test.
Review the test instructions, time limits, and any allowed tools or resources to ensure you are fully prepared and can focus on the content during the exam.
Take multiple practice tests under timed conditions using similar question types to the actual exam, so you can get comfortable with the test format and timing.
Prepare a list of everything you need to bring, from your ID and pencils to snacks and water, to ensure you have everything you need on test day.
Practice calming techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and positive self-talk, to help you stay focused and confident during the test.
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What Each Standardized Entrance Exam Is Trying to Learn About Students
1. ACT (American College Test)
Purpose: Undergraduate admissions (mostly U.S.)
What it measures:
Key areas assessed: English (grammar, usage, rhetorical skills) Math (Algebra → Trig) Reading comprehension Science reasoning Optional writing (analytical writing skills)
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What Each Standardized Entrance Exam Is Trying to Learn About Students
2. SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
Purpose: Undergraduate admissions (U.S. and international)
What it measures:
Key areas assessed: Reading comprehension (complex texts) Writing and language (editing, argument analysis) Math (Algebra, problem-solving, data analysis, advanced math)
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During the Test: Universal Strategies
Reading the Test
Skim the entire test section to note the number of questions and time allotted. Read directions carefully and underline key words. Decide the order you will answer questions, starting with the easiest ones first and marking harder ones to come back to.
Answering Multiple Choice Questions
Eliminate obviously wrong answers, plug in answers where possible, and make an educated guess if you're stuck - don't leave any blanks.
Answering Reading-Based Questions
Read the question first, then the passage. Highlight sentences that connect to the question to help you find the right answer.
Managing Time and Stress
Do a first pass to answer all the easy questions, then a second pass to tackle the harder ones you marked. Keep an eye on the clock and use mini-breathing exercises between questions to stay calm.
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Reading the Test (5 min)
Note the number of questions, total time, and whether the section is math, reading, science, verbal, analytical reasoning, etc.
Identify sets of questions tied to one passage, chart, or scenario.
Underline or circle action words like "Select two correct answers", "Choose the best answer", or "Based on the passage/graph above...".
For exams like the LSAT or MCAT, be aware of what you're being asked to assume or ignore.
Start with questions or passages that look more approachable, and lightly mark time-consuming or confusing ones to come back to later.
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Answering Multiple-Choice Questions
Cross out choices that are clearly off-topic, extreme, or don't match the passage/graph.
Gives you a much better shot, even if you're unsure.
Especially for math/quant questions, plug in answer choices to equations, graphs, or word problems to see what fits.
Don't leave blanks, most exams do not penalize guessing.
After eliminating anything clearly incorrect.
Cheat Code for Any Test: Before & During the Exam
Read the question stem before diving into the passage
Understand what the question is asking - main idea, specific detail, author's tone, inference, vocabulary-in-context - before reading the passage.
Look for what the question wants
Actively search the passage for information that directly answers the question, such as key details, the main idea, or the author's tone.
Go back to the text to prove your answer
Highlight or underline the sentence(s) in the passage that support your chosen answer. If you can't find textual evidence, be skeptical of your answer.
By following these strategies when tackling reading-based questions, you can ensure you are fully understanding the passage and selecting the best-supported answer.
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Cheat Code for Logic/Analytical Questions
Rephrase the given problem or prompt in a way that is clear and concise for you to understand
Identify the key elements of the problem, such as the main argument, any stated rules or assumptions, and visualize the information if helpful
Carefully evaluate each answer choice to determine if it violates any of the established rules or constraints
For logic-based problems, systematically remove any answer choices that conflict with the given rules or conditions
Analyze how each potential answer impacts the original argument, whether it supports, contradicts, or provides additional context
For Math / Quantitative Questions
Estimate before calculating
Get a rough sense of the answer's size and sign (positive/negative) to spot obviously wrong choices and avoid trap answers.
Write down each step
Even under time pressure, jot key steps so you can quickly catch and correct mistakes.
Re-check your work
If you have time at the end, revisit starred problems and re-check your work using your written steps.
By estimating, showing your work, and double-checking, you can avoid careless errors and maximize your performance on math and quantitative test questions.
Managing Time & Stress
Two-pass system
Answer easy/medium questions first, then return to harder ones
Set mini time-checkpoints
Aim to reach certain question numbers by specific times to stay on track
Use quick reset breaths
Inhale 4 seconds, hold 2 seconds, exhale 4 seconds to stay calm
Talk to yourself like a coach
Replace negative self-talk with positive encouragement
By implementing a strategic approach to time management, pacing, and self-regulation, you can maximize your performance and stay calm under pressure during any test.
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Personal Test Strategy Plan
My next big test is:
Specify the date and type of your upcoming test.
1 new 'before the test' habit I will try:
Identify one new habit you will implement to prepare for the test, such as getting enough sleep, practicing under timed conditions, or managing anxiety.
2 'during the test' strategies I will use:
List two specific strategies you will apply during the test, such as reading questions carefully, eliminating wrong answers in multiple choice, or using time management techniques.
1 thing I will do if I start to panic:
Describe a specific action you will take if you start to feel stressed or anxious during the test, such as taking deep breaths, positive self-talk, or a short break.
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Student Takeaway Resources
Test-Taking Strategies & Tips
Great general strategies and printable worksheets
Tips for Test-Taking Success
In-depth advice on preparation and managing anxiety
Preparing Students for Standardized Tests
Explains how practice and strategy work together
Reflection and Commitment
Reflect on key strategies
Students reflect on the strategies they plan to implement to improve their test performance.
Commit to continued growth
Students commit to continuing to develop their test-taking skills and apply the strategies learned.
By reflecting on the strategies they plan to implement and committing to continued growth, students can take control of their test performance and achieve academic success.
Conclusion
Using strategic habits and techniques to take control of test performance is the key to achieving academic success. By implementing proven test-taking strategies before and during the exam, students can reduce stress, improve focus, and maximize their potential.
Test-taking confidence and resilience, empowering them to achieve their academic goals with less stress and more success.