For some people, studying is more challenging than it looks. A survey conducted in 2023 found that almost 9 out of 10 students in the sample felt stressed about their studies at some point.
But aside from studies, taking tests is like a whole different thing. Even more so when it’s a timed test, like the ACT.
So, how do you keep yourself at bay when you take a timed test? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Time Yourself During Practice
Practicing is the key to making sure you feel more comfortable and at ease on the testing day. It’s because you get a general idea of what it’s like to work with a timer on.
Admittedly, it can bring a sense of pressure to answer as fast as you can. But the more you practice with a testing timer,the more you get used to the pace.
This way, you won’t feel as much pressure when you take the actual test, allowing you to stay focused the entire time.
Start with Easy Questions
Most recommend starting with the easy questions when you take a timed test, particularly with exams like the ACT. The scoring system focuses on how many correct answers you have, regardless of how many are wrong.
So, you want to focus on answering as many questions correctly within the given time. By starting with easy questions, you can guarantee yourself a single point before you run out of time working on harder ones.
Doing so also allows you to allocate more time for the harder questions, especially if you feel like you would take longer.
Keep Your Brain Active
Taking a timed test feels like having your brain go on a run. So, it’s important to be sure you keep it active before you start the test.
You want to have enough energy to think fast and keep up with the amount of information you need to take in. A few tips to ensure this include getting enough sleep, eating well, and properly hydrating yourself prior to the exam.
Arrange Your Tasks
You want to set your tasks in order when you take a timed test. Through this, you can maximize your time and ensure you have enough legroom for any hiccups along the way
For example, if you’re working on the reading comprehension section, go through the questions and before reading the text. Doing this helps you find the answers you need quicker since it sets what you need to look for.
Set a Good Pace
Be sure to start the test at a good pace. The earlier you do so, the smoother the flow of the test will be.
It also helps to check the time now and then to make sure you’re using your time wisely. However, keep in mind not to look at it so much that it causes pressure.
A glance here and there would do after you go through a series of questions or when you feel like you need to pause for a bit.
Learn Different Strategies When Managing a Timed Test
Taking a timed test can feel like a race when you’re new to it. But with these tips and strategies, you can ensure you feel more comfortable taking the test. Moreover, it teaches you to stay calm even in stressful situations. With this, you can achieve a score that you feel satisfied with!
