Test-taking tips

Although its natural to feel a little apprehensive on test day, thee are steps you can take to help you do your best. The more items on this list below that you can achieve, the better your scores will be:

• Get a good night's sleep - It's essential that you get at least eight hours of sleep to think clearly and be able to do your best.
• Eat breakfast - Food fuels the brain, allowing you to concentrate and think much more clearly. Try to include some protein - like eggs or cheese - as well as some toast and juice or milk.
• Have everything you need - Make sure that you gather all the items required for the test the night before, such as admission ticket, calculator with fresh batteries and acceptable ID. It's also helpful to know precisely where you'll be taking the test. Try to leave early in case you experience some traffic delay.
• Think positively - You'll do much better if you have a confident attitude and keep things in perspective. After all, you've prepared for this day. Relax and you'll do fine.
• Stay focused - If you catch yourself daydreaming, take a deep breath, bring yourself back to the task at hand and remind yourself that you're in control.
• Concentrate on your own work - Besides taking time away from completing your test, it serves no purpose to be concerned about others. Your test mates may look as if they're having no trouble, but since everyone works at his or her own pace, chances are your neighbors will get stuck on some question or another just as you have.
• Put it in perspective - The results of this test alone will not determine whether you're admitted to college. And there's always the option of taking the test again if you'd like to try to raise your score.