Test Taking Tips

It’s important to develop and project the right attitude about the Test. Be positive and supportive. Your child can readily pick-up on any negative attitudes you may have either from your own past testing experience or from anxiety about the Academic Center Admissions Test.

Several Weeks Before The Test

  • Practice. Practice, practice, and practice some more. Your child should diligently work through the Study Guide. Don’t wait until the last minute. By preparing over a period of time, your child will be more comfortable with the content and format.
  • Focus. Identify where your child is weak. Review his/her results on the practice tests and quizzes and use this information to brush up on weak spots.
  • Ask. Encourage your child to speak up in his/her SelectivePrep class. Students who participate more, learn more. Do not let your child miss any classes. If your child has a conflict with a particular class, contact us to see if we can arrange a make-up session.
  • Get help. All of our Instructors should be arriving to class 15 minutes before each class session and staying 15 minutes late. Your child should use this time to ask questions on anything that is unclear, either in class or in the Study Guide. Contact us if you think your child needs additional help.
  • Check location. Check the directions for the test location. If you are unfamiliar with the area, you may want to visit it before the test. Plan on getting to the test location early.

The Night Before

  • Relax. Don’t cram the night before. Follow a normal routine and make sure that your child gets a good night’s sleep.
  • Assemble supplies. Get together the supplies that your child will need for the Test:
    • Admission or registration ticket
    • Photo ID (if required)
    • Watch
    • Number 2 pencils & eraser
    • Pencil sharpener

10 Tips for Test Day-Remind Your Child To:

  • Read all directions carefully and critically.
  • Budget time carefully. Ideally, your child should go through the test three times:
    • a first pass to complete what they know easily,
    • a second pass to work through the more difficult questions and
    • a final check.
    • Answer the easy questions first. Don’t get bogged down on tough questions. Remember, the easy question that your child gets right quickly will count just as much as the tough one.
  • Read all items carefully and read all answers before choosing one.
  • On difficult questions, underline key words or copy down key formulas to get going. Re-state the problem in his or her own words.
  • Use the process of elimination to your child’s benefit. Try to eliminate one or more wrong choices. If your child can eliminate a choice, be sure he or she answers the question – never leave it blank.
  • Cross off answers as they eliminate them so they don’t re-read them. Use a question mark to indicate where they’re unsure.
  • Your child’s first answer to a question is more likely to be the correct one. Only change answers after thoughtful consideration or if your child is unsure the first time.
  • Check answers against the answer sheet. Your child should make sure that he/she is filling in the correct row & column.
  • ANSWER ALL OF THE QUESTIONS. Do not leave any questions blank!!
  • Think positively. Confidence is half the battle. Remind your child of how well he or she has prepared.
  • IF YOUR CHILD IS SICK THE DAY OF THE TEST, YOU CAN RE-SCHEDULE AND SHOULD DO SO.