SAT “survival tips” for Milford’s juniors

Most people would consider this time of the year to be the beginning of spring, but for high school juniors across the world – it’s SAT season. Milford High School’s juniors are scheduled to take the exam on Wednesday, April 13.

For many, this will be a stressful time, but previous SAT test takers urge students not to place too much pressure on themselves for this test. Kate Freed, a Milford senior, reminds students to “…keep in mind that you can always retake it, so that you aren’t so stressed during the test.” Milford senior Jessica Henning adds to that point, saying “…people who retake feel a lot more confident the second time.” The pair agree that keeping stress levels low entering the test-taking facility is key to “surviving the SAT.”

As for preparation in the hours leading up to the test, previous test-takers have essential tips to help ensure success. Seniors Kate Kosa and Emma Blascyk both assert that a good night’s sleep (about eight hours) prior to the test is crucial for exam success. However, exam anxieties are known to cause sleepless nights, so it is important to review strategies for falling asleep in these conditions as well. For example, it is important to take the time to clear one’s thoughts before attempting to sleep. It is also advisable to focus on relaxing, instead of focusing on falling asleep. Many people focus too much on falling asleep, and hinder their ability to do so in the process.

On the morning of April 13, previous test-takers stress the importance of a full, healthy breakfast. Senior Gracie Smetana affirms that clothing choice has some merit behind it as well. She suggests “wearing comfy clothes” for the test; to make it a more comfortable experience. She also states students should not drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages in the morning if the student usually does not. It is much better to not experiment with anything new on the morning of the exam.

Milford Seniors Paige Crowley and Chloe Ogurek have tips and tricks to utilize during the test as well. Ogurek stresses the importance of filling out every bubble – regardless if the student knows the answer or not. As the test-taker does not lose points for incorrect answers, but rather earns points by selecting the correct answer.

Crowley suggests “looking for key words in a sentence, such as ‘never’ or ‘most often’ or ‘always’.” These words can significantly help the student narrow down their answer choices. She also recommends looking for the answer that would be considered “the odd one out.” It is not guaranteed that is the correct answer, but when unsure or running short on time it is definitely a strong guess or helpful for narrowing down your selection.

Ogurek also asserts that “double checking should be saved for last.” The SAT is a timed test, and it is important that the student answers all of the questions before re-checking ones that they may have botched on the initial answer.

As a review, here is a list of essential SAT survival tips suggested by previous test-takers:

1. Remember there are retakes.
2. Re-takers generally feel more confident the second time taking the test.
3. A good night’s sleep is crucial.
4. Focus on relaxing to fall asleep, rather than focusing on falling asleep.
5. Eat a healthy breakfast the morning of the test.
6. Do not consume caffeine if you normally don’t.
7. Fill in every bubble on the test.
8. Look for the answer that would be considered the “odd one out.”
9. Double-checking should be saved for last.
10. Look for keywords.

Good luck to the juniors! Seniors, have a great day off!