Don’t Dread Tests; Just Prepare For Them

Colleges have several ways to evaluate applicants, using different methods and standards, but almost every school gives some consideration to either the SAT or ACT test.

These are standard tests taken by high school students across the country each year.

Instead of dreading the big test, try preparing for it. It’s not difficult.

First of all, it is never too early to start. There are several books that include practice exams and test-taking tips. Check the library for books before you go out and buy them.

Practice tests can also be found on the Internet. The Princeton Review, a national leader in college preparation and review, offers an online practice SAT. The address, www.princetonreview.com, will lead you to a registration form that takes just a couple of minutes to complete. Depending on how you answer each question, the site will also provide you with other college information.

A one-on-one practice exam can be found at The College Board’s site www.collegeboard.com. While at this site check out the SAT question of the day and the test dates.

Kaplan Test Centers, a national company specializing in test preparation, offer classes at the Spokane Club in downtown. These classes meet several times and help students work on their weaknesses, hence improving their overall test score.

These classes tend to fill up quickly but are offered year-round. To receive more information or to register call 1-800-KAP-TEST.

Flash cards, the kind you used to see in elementary school, are great ways to improve vocabulary for the verbal sections of each test. This can’t be left until the last night.

Repetition will pound each word and definition into your memory, so start long before the test date.

Although you should start preparing long before the test date arrives, the day before the test, and even the test date itself, are equally important.

Counselors and teachers will advise you to arrive at your test location early, and they are not joking. You don’t want to be late, because you won’t be allowed to take the test.

Other little things can make a difference, as well.

Try dressing in layers, no matter what the time of year. Heating systems can act up and being too hot or cold can hinder your test-taking skills.

If you have been studying hard, Kaplan suggests that you relax the day before the test. And everyone knows, getting plenty of sleep will put you in your best condition.

If, when you are finally taking the test, you start to stress out, don’t worry. Just take a deep breath, close your eyes for a moment and focus.

It’s an important test, but remember, it is just a test.

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Key dates for SATs and ACTs Here are the 1997-98 SAT and ACT test dates and registration deadlines:

SAT Next test: Nov. 1. Registration has passed, but if you miss registration for this or any of the upcoming test dates, you may try to take the test standby. For details, call (609) 771-7600.

Test: Dec. 6. On-time registration: Oct. 30. Late registration: Nov. 14.

Test: Jan. 24. On-time registration: Dec. 19. Late registration: Dec. 30.

Test: March 28 (SAT I only). On-time registration: Feb. 20 . Late registration: March 4.

Test: May 2. On-time registration: March 26. Late registration: April 10.

Test: June 6. On-time registration: April 30. Late registration: May 15.

ACT Next test: Saturday. Registration has passed, but if you miss registration for this or any of the upcoming test dates, you may try to take the test standby. For details, call (319) 337-1827.

Test: Dec. 13. On-time registration: Nov. 10. Late registration: Nov. 21.

Test: Feb. 7. On-time registration: Jan. 5. Late registration: Jan. 16.

Test: April 4. On-time registration: March 2. Late registration: March 13.

Test: June 13. On-time registration: May 11. Late registration: May 22.