OK . . . I’ll admit it. I hate standardized tests. In fact, none of my friends likes them. The reason I’m thinking about them right now is that my foster siblings are gearing up for the PSAT/NMSQT. You know–one test, one day, one point on a 240-point scale can make the difference in making National Merit Semifinalist.
Last year, the big guys in the admissions world issued a report on standardized testing: www.nacacnet.org/AboutNACAC/PressRoom/2009/Pages/followuptesting.aspx. My counselor thinks it was a super effort and hopes that some of the recommendations become reality–SOON! But, until they do . . . Did you know that more than 800 colleges offer test optional admissions? How do you find out? Go to www.fairtest.org for a list. Take comfort in the fact that new schools are added to that list every day.
So . . . how should my foster brothers and sisters and YOU bone up for these tests? Here are some suggestions:
• Work hard every day in the toughest classes you can take.
• Do your homework–pretty simple. Read those novels. Solve those math homework problems. Do those AP Bio labs. Listen to those language tapes.
• Read. Reading improves your comprehension, speed in reading and vocabulary. Duh! All of these tests are reading-based and anything that improves your reading should improve your performance on these tests.
• Take the practice tests offered by the big dogs that make the tests. When you miss something, ask a subject-area teacher to explain the rationale for the question.
• Know how the tests are structured. This will improve your performance. Both ACT (www.act.org) and College Board (www.collegeboard.org) tell you how this is done in their materials, but . . . you have to read the materials to know!
• Get a good night’s rest the day before the test–not too much sleep and not too little.
• Allow enough time to get to the testing center and not be in a dash–rushing around will stress you out.
• Test days aren’t days for sugar-coated breakfasts–you need protein to help your brain kick into gear.
• Relax some–tension won’t help your test performance.
• Know that for many colleges, testing is just one factor in the admissions process. Many schools use tons of factors in deciding who to admit to a given class.
Realize that one test, one day does not make a great college student. What you have taken in terms of course work and how you have challenged yourself, in and out of the classroom, remain the best predictors of your college success.
How many times should you take these tests? Let me ask you–do you want to spend numerous Saturday mornings getting up early and paying money to do it? PREPARE and take the tests as few times as possible! That’s my motto. Be aware of the new Score Choice issues. If you don’t know what that is, google it and you’ll get a long list of information. In terms of score reporting, follow the guidelines on each college website to ensure you’re in compliance with specific admissions policies.
And . . . I don’t know about you, but all this talk about testing makes me tired!
Woof,
Clyde
