Try These Valuable Testing Tips

Mon., April 10, 2000

Here’s another answer to last week’s question about feet that stink:

A. I’m an old grandma and I didn’t know until a few years ago what to do with my stinky feet. I could never take my shoes off until bedtime. Then I started to used a liquid deodorant (like Ban roll-on). Rub it on top of and under your toes, working it in and around the toes. I did this after each bath or shower and no more stinky feet.- signed Been There

Q. The SATs and ACTs are coming up. What are your tips for taking these nerve-wracking exams?

A. Just like any other test, you need to make sure you study and are well-prepared for the test. About three weeks before the test make sure you have all the materials you need to study for it, including practice exams and books. Then, over the three weeks, study a little bit of information at a time. Don’t have an all-night cram session the night before the test. - Jennifer Kassner, Shadle Park A. A couple of years ago, Our Generation published a list of tips that students collected from various test preparation sources including books, Web sites and courses. Below are some of the tips they found most helpful. Be sure to check out next Monday’s Our Generation section for the “20-minute SAT,” a practice exam and tips from a test expert.

Get a how-to book. A book can show you how to avoid the traps set by test-makers. Be sure to find a book with a practice test so you become familiar with the format of the tests.

Practice. Three days before the test take a practice test giving yourself only the amount of time for each section that you will be allowed during the real thing. Memorize the directions, otherwise you’ll have to read them carefully and waste valuable test time.

Two days before the test check the practice test you took. Study the areas you need the most work in.

The day before the test don’t study at all. Instead do something fun, forget the test. Put together an SAT/ACT Survival Kit, which should include a calculator with new batteries (make sure you know how to use the calculator), a watch, four or more sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers, photo ID and admission ticket, and a snack such as a sandwich to keep you alert.

The morning of the test be sure to get up early enough to have a good breakfast and read a magazine or newspaper to warm up your brain. Get to the testing site early enough to take a deep breath and settle in. Dress in layers so you can adjust to the temperature of the room.

Always read all of the answers before selecting one. Test-makers like to trick you by putting two or more possible answers. Remember, you need to find the most correct answer.

Pace yourself. Use your practice test to determine how much time you should spend on each question.

What’s your advice?

We’re still looking for tips or advice from teens about things they think parents or adults should know about raising teens or working with them. Send your advice to the address below.

Q. I recently did something that I really regret. Fortunately, I don’t think there will be any long-lasting problems that develop from what I did, but mentally I’m a wreck. I really don’t like myself for what I did. What can I do to get over this?

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.