Test Taking Strategies

Examinations are a fact of life in college. When you take a test, you are demonstrating your ability to understand course material. Here are some tips to help you develop great test taking skills.

Take a Note from the Past. Always try to analyze how you did on a similar type of test in the past, i.e. multiple choice, and as well try to review previous tests and sample tests provided by your teacher. Each test that you take can help you to prepare for the next one!

Be Prepared. Always try to arrive early for tests—this will give you time to do a last minute review of your notes, and to take a deep breath and relax before you have to write the test. Make a list and prepare what you need, i.e. pens, pencils, calculator, beforehand to avoid last minute panic.

Be comfortable but alert. Choose a comfortable location with enough space for your needs—if you require additional space, try choosing a seat at the back or on the end of a row as opposed to right in the middle of the class or area. Try not to slouch; maintain good posture and stay relaxed and confident.

Relax. Keep a good attitude and remind yourself that you are going to do your best. If you find yourself panicking, take a few deep breaths. Try not to talk to other students right before writing--stress can be contagious!

Avoid Careless Errors. Read the directions carefully, and if there is time, quickly look through the test for an overview. Previewing the test allows you to see how much time you need to allot for each section--if the test is all multiple choice questions, it is good to know that immediately. When answering essay questions, try to make an outline in the margin before you begin writing. Organization, clear thinking, and good writing is important, but so is neatness, so be sure to make your writing legible. Answer questions in a strategic order--easy questions first to build confidence, then those with the most point value. Allow yourself extra time for the more difficult parts, like essay questions if this is your area of weakness.

Review! If you have time, review your answers and ensure that you haven’t missed any questions. Resist the urge to leave when you complete the exam—a second review gives you a chance to change answers to questions if you made an error or misread the question.

How to Study Mathematics

Buy used textbooks. Sometimes we don't understand a concept because the explanation is just plain bad or it's not written in a way that we can understand. It's good to have a text that gives alternate explanations and additional sample problems to work out. Many used book stores will have inexpensive texts. Just double check to make sure that the explanations and answers from the previous owner are correct!

Study actively. Don't just work out a problem, draw pictures and diagrams of a process and make up stories to go along with them. If you are an auditory learner, you may want to make brief recordings of yourself defining some terms or processes.

Read actively. Use sticky notes or flags to mark important things in your chapter or things you need to ask about in class. If you have a sample problem that you've worked out and you'd like to have similar problems for additional practice, mark it with a flag and ask the teacher next time you are in class.

Use college prep study guides. If you can't find an old textbook to use in addition to your class text, try using an SAT, ACT, or CLEP study guides. They often provide great explanations and sample problems. You can also find free online study guides for these tests.

Take breaks. If you come across a problem that you don't understand, read it over a few times and give it a try—but then walk away from it and make a sandwich or do something else. Your brain will continue to work on the problem subconsciously.

Review old tests. Old tests are the best clues to future tests. They are good for establishing a strong foundation for the newer information, but they also provide insight as to how the teacher thinks.

Practice neatness. How unfortunate would it be to miss a test question out of sloppiness? It's important to make sure you can line up problems neatly so you don't confuse yourself, and also to make sure you can tell your sevens from your ones.

Find a study partner. A study partner can test you and help you understand things you can't get on your own.

Understand the process. You sometimes hear that it doesn't matter how you come up with the right answer, just as long as you get there. But, this is not always true. You should always strive to understand an equation or a process.

Reasons High School Students Should Take the PSAT

Most high school students know that they should expect to take either the Standard Aptitude Test (SAT) or the ACT prior to graduation, since many colleges require one or the other for admission. Few, however, realize that the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) may be just as important. For the most part, the PSAT is taken by high school juniors in October each year, though freshmen and sophomores often participate as well. There are a total of five short sections (two for reading, two for math, one for writing), taking in general a total of 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Although it is not a requirement for college acceptance, there are some very compelling reasons why students should consider taking the PSAT.

Reason #1- Great practice for the SAT
The College Board provides each student with a customized study plan based on their PSAT performance, allowing each student to focus on those areas which need the most help. Studies have shown that students who take the exam more than once often score higher on subsequent tests, so students should consider taking the PSAT as early as freshman year. Those who have the opportunity to take the exam several times may also find they are more confident and relaxed when moving on to the SAT or ACT.

Reason #2- Helps connect to colleges
Students who take the PSAT can opt-in to the College Board’s free Student Search Service. This service allows colleges to identify students based on several factors including intended major, grade point average and state residency. Many colleges participate in the Student Search Service, giving students the opportunity to connect with colleges that they may be unfamiliar with or had not previously considered. Students typically receive brochures and other marketing materials, as well as information on campus tours and other upcoming events from the colleges.

Reason #3- Gain access to scholarships!
Perhaps the best thing about the PSAT is the opportunity to earn free money for college. Students who take the test during their junior year may be selected to participate in one of the scholarship or recognition programs directly linked to the exam.

Although students are not required to take the PSAT, the exam does help many prepare for the more rigorous SAT. It is a good measurement of how well a student may score on the SAT and can help them target areas for improvement prior to taking the exam. Students who wish to prepare for the PSAT can find several free practice tests and reading assessments online. 

Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year

A gap year is exactly as it sounds – postponing university or college for a year and spending that time doing something else. Some students simply live at home and work during the year, but others use the time for all kinds of adventures at home and abroad such as teaching, volunteer work, outdoor adventures or eco travel. But, is taking a gap year the right choice for you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages to help you decide what is best for you in terms of postponing university and taking a year off.

Advantages
Taking a year off may give you a chance to mature before entering university; in secondary school, you probably leaned a fair bit about how to be a good student, but on the other hand, you likely learned very little about life experience. It gives you an opportunity to regroup--secondary school can be a very stressful time for students, and between preparing for university academically and searching for the right post-secondary institution, many students feel pretty beaten up by the time they graduate. Changing course and doing something besides school for a while can be a much-needed break mentally.    
It can also give you a chance to figure out what you want. If you are not sure yet what university is exactly right for you or whether you’re intent in going at all, a year off can help you think about and sort things out. Taking a year off can also help if you have money Issues. It’s no secret how expensive funding a university education can be and depending on what you do during your year off, you might be able to save money.

Disadvantages
For many students, the biggest disadvantage is losing momentum. It takes you away from the classroom experience, so you might be a bit rusty when you return. You will also have to remember that you will be a year behind your friends and a gap year will put you further back on what can be a long educational process. Some gap year experiences also don’t require money, like working for a year, or are inexpensive like teaching abroad for a year, but others can be quite pricey and can be an added expense to an already costly university education.

Taking a gap year is not for everyone, but neither is going directly into university following secondary school. The bottom line is that the decision is ultimately up to you. If you decide to go ahead with it, think long and hard about how you are going to spend your time. 

Critical Dates for The College Bound Senior High School Student

August
*Write important dates down so you do not miss any deadlines
*Meet with your guidance counselor to go over college plans and make sure your classes meet the standards of your college goals
*Sign up for the ACT or SAT

September
*Find out when the admission counselor to the college(s) or university(s) you selected is visiting your high school and meet with him/her.
*Ask teachers, high school counselors, employers and others for letters of recommendation for your college and scholarship applications. Be sure to give them at least a two week’s notice!
* Finalize your college application essay. Have a teacher look it over and give pointers and tips
*Make a list of scholarships in your community for which you wish to apply

October
*Finalize the list of colleges to which you wish to apply.
*Submit your applications for any scholarships you may be eligible for
*Re-take the ACT or SAT if you feel you can improve your score

November
*Finish submitting your college applications. Many guidance counselors kindly ask that you have all your applications submitted by Thanksgiving.
*Make a file on each school you applied to with a copy of your application, essay, and letters of recommendation you may have sent and all materials they have given you.

December
*Continue to apply for different scholarships and grants
*Enjoy a relaxing Winter Break—you’ve earned it!

January
*Complete your taxes as soon as possible

February
*Submit your completed FAFSA online if you haven't already. Valentine's Day (February 14) is a good target date to have your FAFSA completed!
*Schedule follow-up visits to your top three schools that have offered you admission. Make sure to schedule an appointment with each school's financial aid office. Consider an overnight visit to get a real feel for the school and student life.

March
*Compare your top three schools and prepare to make your final decision
*Apply for a summer job and save some of the money for college

April
*Decide what college you will be attending. Remember to consider all factors, including academic offerings, student experience and cost. Don't underestimate what feels like the best fit!
*Submit your enrollment fee as soon as you make your decision
*Notify the schools you will not be attending.

May
*Enjoy your last month of high school!!
*Sign up for a summer orientation
*Graduate!

June
*Make sure your high school has sent your final transcript to the school of your choice.
*Take your Math Placement Test before you attend Orientation
*Get a physical and fill out your important health documents as soon as possible.
*Attend Orientation.
*If needed, decide which loans you will need to take out
*Make sure you save some of your summer earnings for college.

Congratulations, you did it! Welcome to college!!

High School Juniors – the “Golden Year” for College-Bound Students

It is in the junior year of high school that you'll make critical decisions that could have a major impact on the next five years of your life (and beyond!) as you start narrowing down lists of colleges and career paths. Here are some of those major decisions.

Classes and Grades. The junior year selection of classes--and the grades you receive in them--is very important because it is the last full year of grades that admissions will review while deciding your future. You'll want to stick to a tough regimen of college-prep classes, including some advanced-placement or other honors classes, if possible. Don't go crazy with the courses and overload yourself, but the courses and grades you receive in your junior year are very important. Some of the teachers you have for classes in your junior year may also play an important role for you in your senior year; you may need to ask them to write you a letter of recommendation for college.

Standardized Tests. The junior year, from start to end, is filled with standardized tests. Early in the year, you'll take the PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test). This test, which measures critical reading, math problem-solving and writing skills, is important for a few reasons. It’s a good indicator and excellent preparation for the SAT test that you will take at the end of your junior year, your score may qualify you for a select group of merit scholarships, and it's one of the first chances you have to begin requesting information from colleges.

College Planning. The junior year is also the time to get organized for handling the blitz of college material that will be coming your way. The whole college search can be a little unnerving, a bit daunting, so just relax and take your time during this year and the summer that follows to really focus on finding the right mix of colleges for you. It is a good idea to develop some sort of filing system so that the information from the colleges on your short list is easy to find when you need them.

Try to use your junior year as a time to get ahead and to start planning academically for your future. Remember that the more you accomplish in your junior year, the more you can relax and truly enjoy your senior year in high school!

College is Educational for the Parents, Too

Every parent starts asking themselves questions when their college bound high school student looms closer and closer to graduation day. Is he/she going to be dedicated enough in college to study hard and make the right grades? Is he/she ready to live away from home? Have we chosen the right school?

One of the most commonly asked questions is "Will we be able to afford all the expense associated with a college education?" It is very easy to become so concerned with the expense issue that many parents tend to forget they have a living and breathing individual heading into the world for the first time, many times feeling alone, scared, and afraid of failure.

Armed with Values

If you are like most parents of teens graduating from high school, you have attempted to instill a sense of duty and responsibility into your child.  You've probably given speeches about how class studies are more important than love interests and extra curricular activities.  If you didn't do this before the senior year of high school, you may have waited too late to make a real impact.

If we expect our children to grow into sensible, respectable, dependable, and trustworthy adults, we have to mold those attributes from an early age. If we want our child to behave like a mature adult, we have to give them some chances to become one before they ever leave home.

What the future high school graduate needs from the parents is some trust and understanding.  As parents often face a financial hardship when teens go to college, the college students are facing some difficulties, too.  Adjusting to life away from everything familiar is tough for anyone, and how a parent supports a child during that process has a great deal to do with the student's success or failure.

Know When to Criticize

A parent has to be balanced between pushing for good grades and consoling their student when grades aren't achieved as desired.  The fact is most freshmen college students have lower scores than they had in high school at the outset.  This doesn't mean expectations of high marks are impossible, but it is realistic to assume that early scores won't be the best.

A teen may lose respect for a condescending parent who is highly critical of their early efforts at college class work.  Reactions can cause a void much wider than the distance between home and college. All of us undergo an adjustment period when we experience significant lifestyle changes, and embarking into college life is no exception.

Don't Be a Mother Hen

Being overly protective and hovering around campus too much is another fault of some parents.  Your student may be a little apprehensive and uncertain when they first go away, but they do not want to be viewed as fragile by their peers; would you?  If you as a parent are asked to come and visit, that is one thing; but inviting yourself, especially if often, gives the impression that you believe your young adult is still a child.

Many teenagers go to college and do little more than attend parties and goof off.  They do not last long in the pursuit of a college education because their goals and objectives are unfocused.  A student who is trying and putting forth effort deserves the benefit of the doubt as they settle in and figure out what adjustments they need to make to improve grades and achieve their goals. As hard as it may be at times, parents must be patient, understanding, and motivational.

College Bound High School Students and Part Time Jobs

Some parents think it is best if their student does not attempt to work a part time job in high school, but instead concentrate on their academic studies and possibly some extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs.

There are other parents who think a part time job is a great idea for their high school student because it teaches a work ethic and builds character. It is also a great opportunity to introduce the student to earning and managing their own money.

Here are a few things to consider as far as a part time job during the high school years:

1. When evaluating high school students for college acceptance, schools look at many different aspects of a student's achievements. While academics are an important part of these achievements, they do not solely comprise everything being considered for college acceptance.

Colleges seek well rounded individuals for entrance to their program, which is why participating in sports and clubs is important throughout the high school years. A part time job is no different. Schools view a student's ability to achieve academically while taking on additional responsibility via a part time job as a very positive attribute.

2. A part time job is an excellent way to begin molding a high school student's work ethic. Careful scheduling and planning, choosing the right part time job, and staying focused on academic studies are essential for this plan to work. It does, however, indicate many positive elements regarding a high school student's personality to possess the ability to hold down a part time job and still maintain their studies.

3. A part time job can serve as an opportunity for obtaining college funds. Many businesses offer scholarships and financial assistance to high school students who work within their companies.

4. When students apply for jobs after college graduation, potential employers are less hesitant to hire candidates with some work experience as opposed to those with none. It reflects a student's commitment to responsibility in their early years and the ability of the student to multi-task.

5. Many high schools offer co-op programs for students, allowing them to utilize part of the class day for employment, which also applies toward their high school graduation credits and GPA.

A co-op instructor checks in with the employer throughout the semester to evaluate the student's performance. Positive reports result in good grades in the "co-op" course, which reflects favorably on the student's transcript.

A part time job is not recommended for every high school student. If, for instance, a student is already struggling in their academic studies, the time might be better spent on extra study time and possibly even tutoring. The decision regarding whether a part time job is a good fit for your particular student is dependent on many things and each case must be evaluated individually.

The Importance of Middle School

Many parents view middle school as the time just before a student enters the serious part of his or her education.  This is poor vision of what should actually be taking place at that time.

It may seem that your middle school student is not academically ready for some of the courses of study before the ninth grade, but the truth is, the harder ones are what prepare the student to be able to perform better on their high school transcript.

Think of it this way; everything in life that a person goes through from birth to advancing years prepares them for the next step.  Just as high school prepares students for college, middle school prepares them for high school.  Taking class study lightly is never conducive for a student to become an achiever.

Everything Counts After 8th Grade

When those grades begin to hit the transcript record in the ninth grade, they should be challenging courses in which the student has high scores.  The better the scholastic standards, the more financial aid possibilities will be available and more of the better colleges will be interested in the student's attendance.

College acceptance is a competition because the best colleges limit the enrollment to keep the educational process working to its best efficiency.  Because the colleges are high in demand, they only accept students with the highest grades in challenging subjects.  Committees that choose students for grants or scholarships look for these same achievements before making offers.

A Parent's Responsibility

In light of this factual data, you as the parent should strongly encourage your future college student to prepare very well during the seventh and eighth grades.  Even if some harder classes don't present the grades you and your student hope for, they do prepare them for harder courses in the next arena, which will shed a brighter light on the college bound youth.

What Middle School Should Do for a Student

Two very important formative parts of middle school can make the difference in the ninth grade.

* First, if courses are hard enough that grades need improving, it teaches better study habits as well as how and where to get assistance for problematic studies.  It also teaches tenacity to achieve desired results.

* Secondly, it teaches organizational skills that will make the student better at anything he or she does in high school, college, and in life.

If your child is taking off the two years before the ninth grade by electing easier classes, it is a mistake that will cause less achievement at the next level, and possibly limit college opportunities.