Academics Plus is an official SSAT Flex Test Site. If you are looking into private education for your child, Academics Plus offers quiet, individual testing rooms fit to honor any accommodations your child may receive.
Remember that sinking feeling of being immobilized by an exam for which you prepared diligently? The whole school year, you attended class, paid attention, took notes, did your homework, excelled at projects, and now, your mind is blank? For kids who struggle with heightened anxiety, inattention, or other challenges, testing can be insufferable and yield unfavorable results.
Taking a test is always somewhat stressful but ensuring to use the following tips will make test day run more smoothly. Whether it is curriculum-based or a standardized exam, stay cool and confident with these tricks.
1. Make your last substantial study session the weekend prior. If your child crams the night before, the content will only be stored in short-term memory. Study bit by bit leading up to the test for better retention and retrieval.
2. Make sure your child gets a good night's sleep prior to exam day. All-nighters will cause your child to lack confidence and have trouble concentrating.
3. Give your child a good breakfast. Whenever test time is, start off with a substantial meal packed with fiber, protein, and healthy fats. Foods like oatmeal, eggs, and peanut butter will keep your child full and not distracted by a growing stomach.
4. Ensure your child drinks plenty of water. Nothing is worse than a headache when trying to focus.
5. If allowed, pack your child's own gear. Give them a wristwatch that is accurate, quiet, and easy to read. Let your child pick out sharp pencils and a large eraser. Pack snacks for before, after, or during breaks.
6. Teach your child to ruffle through the test before beginning it. It is helpful to get a sense of how pages there are, whether they are double-sided, how many problems are on each page, and how much room is given for each question. Skimming helps with managing time and expectations. If while flipping through, your child spots a problem that can be solved quickly and confidently, your child should start with that one. It is not necessary to go in order! The objective is to score as many points as possible. Tricky questions should be skipped and revisited at the end. Does your child understand how to solve this type of problem but arrives at an unlikely answer? It is better to return to it later with a scrap piece of paper so that your child is not influenced by the previous, incorrect answer.
7. Lastly, after the test, have your child refresh with water, food, and an enjoyable activity such as enjoying the company of friends or sipping a milkshake. Your child worked hard and deserves a reward. Knowing that a treat is coming afterward motivates your child to do well in the moment and stay optimistic.
Happy studying from Academics Plus!
Written by Lauren Ribner