If you’re like most people, you probably dread the idea of taking standardized tests or even preparing for them. Whether it is the SAT’s, or a test you take to get into graduate school, it is no fun preparing for those tests. You’ve probably enrolled into a test prep course, which is obviously a good idea. There are a few other things you can do as well which will make the test prep process much easier.
#1: Spend Some Time Each Day Preparing
What I mean by this is to spend time even before your prep course starts. This might involve taking a practice section of the test once each day or learning a new vocabulary word each day. This will help you stay sharp during the test prep course as you will become more conditioned to taking practice tests and studying each day. Effective mental conditioning will be key if you want to do well on standardized tests. It is very easy to get lazy, especially toward the end of the test prep course. Thus, preparing in advance by spending a little time each day will go a long way in building your conditioning so you can pace yourself accordingly.
#2: Be Realistic In Your Expectations And Do Your Best
This is a point that is mentioned in a lot of articles, but it bears mentioning here as well. It’s always important to be realistic whenever you approach a task like this. If you feel like you need a day off because you are tired or exhausted, give yourself the day off and recharge your batteries. It is not mandatory that you memorize every word or that you score a perfect or near perfect result on every practice test. What is important is that you are able to step back, analyze what you did wrong in the process, and be able to think of what you can do to fix the problem. Once you do this, you will be able to relax and do your best.
