Advice from a fellow student :
MASTER THE TESTING FORMAT . Taking practice tests will not only help you identify your strengths and weaknesses ; it will also help you know the format of the test inside and out . Mariah Clark , a recent LAMP graduate who was able to increase her ACT score by ten points , emphasizes : “ As soon as you understand the structure of the test , you can automatically increase your score .”
JOIN A TEST PREP CLASS . While enrolling in a class for test prep might be costly , it can pay for itself in the long run . As your ACT or SAT score rises , more scholarship money becomes available to you . Just a one point score increase on the ACT could mean the difference between a partial and a full scholarship to the school of your dreams . So is the initial investment of enrolling in a class worth it ? We think so !
A
HELP , I ’ M STUCK ! If it comes time for “ The Real Deal ” and you get stuck on a question , keep these tips in mind :
• Work the questions out of order . You do not have to answer the questions in consecutive order ; answer the ones you feel confident about first , and then move on to the more difficult ones .
• Don ’ t spend too much time on one question . You ’ ve probably heard this since elementary school , but it ’ s still true today . Pace yourself .
• Use the process of elimination . We can ’ t stress this enough ! If you have absolutely no idea how to answer a question , the only chance you have of getting right is by making an educated guess , so eliminate those answers you know to be wrong first .
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Advice from a fellow student :
Grant Prater , recent LAMP graduate and holder of perfect ACT and SAT scores , offers advice from his experience for students who are taking standardized tests :
On using the process of elimination : “ The answers are right in front of you , but they must be reasoned carefully , and not leapt wildly into , or mistakes will be made .”
On using test prep books : “ I believe books such as these are helpful , but only for giving tips on how to optimize taking the test , not as a sole resource for learning the material . Its purpose is to review and consolidate , not teach .”
Still get those sweaty palms and feelings of impending doom when it ’ s time to test ? Keep this in mind :
“ Obviously , though there ’ s a fair amount of emphasis put on college entrance exams during high school , they ultimately have little bearing on the final outcome . No one ’ s future spouse or employer has a minimum ACT score for admittance .”
TIPTHINGS TO BRING / GO-BAG :
• Admission Ticket ( paper copy )
• Photo ID
• Two # 2 Pencils ( not mechanical !)
• Small Handheld Pencil Sharpener
• Eraser
• APPROVED Calculator and Extra Batteries
• Watch ( no sounds allowed )
• Water and Snack for Break
12 | Fall 2016 www . potentialmagazine . com