Here we include proven test-taking tips used at Army and Navy Academy, a top military boarding school built for boys, where high school students aim for academic excellence. Follow these tips and feel more confident as you pursue academic success and prepare for future college and post-secondary opportunities.
General Test-Taking Strategies
Preparation Before the Test
- Find a quiet study area at home, dorm, or library where you can minimize distractions and keep your focus.
- Develop a specific test-taking study schedule and put it on your calendar. Break it down into monthly goals to spread sessions out over time, ideally every week to stay on track.
- Take multiple practice tests to simulate the actual test environment and make sure you set a timer to mirror test-taking timed conditions.
- Review the commonly asked test concepts and question types so you are not surprised or anxious during the test.
- Use active learning techniques like those employed at Army Navy Academy such as: teaching the material to a friend, creating flashcards or working in teams.
- Review your notes regularly so it all sinks in and to avoid cramming.
Mindset and Focus
- Avoid last-minute studying and preparations.
- Stay confident and positive as you “study smart, not hard.” Find out how students at Army Navy Academy follow boy-friendly approaches to learning
- Practice deep breathing or relaxation techniques to manage test anxiety.
- Visualize successful outcomes. See yourself taking the test and doing well.
- Seek support to prepare by hiring a tutor or attend free test prep sessions.
- Speak open;ly to a mentor on campus if you’re feeling anxious. For instance, at Army and Navy Academy, mentorship is integral to residential life where support is available during mandatory study time and SAT/ACT workshops,
Test Day Essentials
- Gather and bring all required materials (e.g., ID, pencils, calculator).
- Get a full night’s sleep before the exam and practice good sleep hygiene for weeks prior to the test.
- Eat a healthy breakfast and stay well-hydrated. Make an effort to avoid sugary or processed foods prior to exams to avoid energy depletion. If you reside on campus at ANA, take advantage of the healthy options in the Dining Hall.
During the Test
- Read all of the test instructions carefully before you begin the exam.
- Tackle easy questions first to build confidence and save time for harder ones.
- Budget your time effectively and move on if you feel stuck on a question.
- Pay attention to the test instructions to ensure you fully understand.
- Read each question thoroughly and avoid skimming as you read.
- Circle key words or underline parts of the question to increase understanding.
- Eliminate incorrect answers by narrowing down choices; this will elevate your chances of getting it correct.
- Trust your first instinct and stick with your initial answer (unless you know you misread the question).
- Write legibly and make sure your answers are very easy to read (e.g. fill in full bubbles, etc.)
Reviewing Your Work
- Double-check answers if time allows, but don’t overthink each response.
- Fill in unanswered questions as needed. Save the hard questions for last.
ACT-Specific Test-Taking Tips
Understand the Test Format
- Counselors at Army and Navy Academy require students to begin ACT preparation by the junior year to achieve competitive scores and meet all deadlines.
- Familiarize yourself with each section: English, Math, Reading, Science, and optional Essay.
- Review general test information such as time allowed on each section, etc.
Key Strategies
- Focus on pacing yourself as each section has strict time limits.
- Use the process of elimination for multiple-choice questions.
Practice Regularly
- Take full-length ACT practice tests to identify key areas to improve.
- Work on improving your timing if you tend to run out of time.
SAT-Specific Test-Taking Tips
Understand the Test Format
- Start the SAT preparation process in your junior year to become familiar with the test format. Note: The essay is no longer included on the SAT.
- Review sections: Reading, Writing & Language, and Math.
- Practice the math, both with and without a calculator.
Key Strategies
- Study the SAT directions in advance to save time during the test.
- Answer easier questions first and do harder ones later. Tests often begin with easier ones in each section.
Practice Techniques
- Learn to recognize recurring question types (e.g., grammar rules, algebra problems).
- Practice using scratch paper or practice test booklet for calculations and notes.
ASVAB Testing Tips (Relevant for Military Aspirants)
Preparation Steps
- If you are planning to apply to any of the military service academies like West Point or Annapolis or an ROTC university, you will take the ACT and/or SAT and the ASVAB is not required. However, in some cases, it may be required for specific types of university ROTC scholarships.
- If you plan to enlist in the military, take as many practice ASVAB tests as possible to familiarize yourself with its unique structure.
Test-Taking Strategies
- Answer every question, especially given that there’s no penalty for guessing on the ASVAB.
- Eliminate the answers that are clearly wrong to increase your chances of getting the answer correct.
In conclusion, make sure you follow the various strategies noted here to prepare for college entrance exams and also for general high school exams. If you are required to take standardized tests in high school, these tips should also come in handy.
By applying these tips consistently in all exams, you will set yourself up for improved performance. Remember to be prepared, stay focused and remain confident in achieving your academic goals.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How to be good at test taking? Check out all the above tips for test taking and follow these tips consistently. .
- How to get 100% on a test? Aim high, but remember you can still score high or get a good grade without getting 100%.
- How can I pass a test easily? Stay calm, be well-prepared, and practice test-taking tips on a regular basis to improve your test-taking skills.
- How to ace a test every time? Being good at test-taking takes focus and practice. The more you practice the tips for test taking that we’ve provided, the more apt you are to do well on tests.
Resources:
14 Tips for Test Taking Success – Harvard Summer School
What You Need to Know About SAT and ACT Tests
SAT Prep – A Guideline for Success
7 Tips to Make Exam Prep as Stress-Free as Possible
Interested in Exploring a College Prep Military Boarding School? Feel free to contact us at Army and Navy Academy, located on a beachfront campus in Southern California’s Carlsbad Village.
Army and Navy Academy is a college preparatory school with boarding and day options. Geared exclusively for boys in grades 7-12, we are a model school for boys in middle school and high school and are ranked in the top six military schools in California. If we’re not the right fit, we will make every effort to provide other information. WASC Accredited.
Army & Navy Academy Admission Office:
Phone: 888-762-2338