Standardized tests like the PSAT, SAT, or ACT can feel stressful, both for students and parents. They’re timed, fast-paced, and often tied to important opportunities like advanced classes, scholarships, and college admissions. The good news? Test-taking is a skill, and with the right strategies, every student can improve their performance.
Below are five practical test-taking tips that can make a real difference.
One of the most common mistakes students make is spending too much time on one difficult question. On timed tests, every minute matters.
What to do instead:
Answer the questions you know first.
Mark and skip questions that will take longer, then come back if time allows.
Keep an eye on the clock so no single question derails your progress.
Strong pacing helps students maximize points and feel calm and in control from start to finish.
Studying content is important, but how students practice matters just as much.
The most effective prep looks like a real test day. That means:
Using official practice tests, so the question format and pacing feel familiar to the real exam.
Timing each section and following the flow of the test, instead of jumping around or stopping early.
Practicing with the same setup they’ll use on test day — pencils, calculator (if allowed), scratch paper, and minimal distractions.
This kind of practice helps students build stamina and feel less thrown off by the structure and pacing on test day.
Many test mistakes don’t come from not knowing the material — they come from misunderstanding the question.
Simple habits that reduce careless errors:
Underline exactly what the question is asking for.
Circle units of measurements and keywords like most likely, except, always, or never to catch the details.
For word problems, pause and restate the question in your own words before jumping into calculations.
Slowing down just enough to read carefully often saves time and points in the long run.
On most standardized tests, there’s no penalty for wrong answers, which means unanswered questions are missed opportunities. If your student is running out of time, guessing strategically can make a real difference.
What to do:
Make sure to answer all questions, even if you’re not sure of the answer.
Try to narrow down to two possibilities, or eliminate at least one choice that clearly doesn’t make sense.
Save the last few minutes to fill in any unanswered questions.
Students often think they need to know the exact answer to move forward. In reality, eliminating wrong answers and guessing with your instincts can be a powerful test-taking skill.
Test performance isn’t just about what students know, it’s also about how they show up.
Simple habits that help:
Get enough sleep the night before (much better than last-minute cramming).
Eat a balanced breakfast with protein to sustain energy.
Arrive early so there’s time to settle in. Many students like listening to music to help relax and get in the zone.
Right before the test starts, taking a slow breath and repeating a simple, steady thought like “I’ve practiced for this” can help students shift into a focused, confident mindset.
At Mathnasium, we understand that math makes up a significant portion of standardized test scores, and it’s often where students struggle most. That’s why our PSAT, SAT, and ACT prep focuses on:
Strengthening foundational math skills
Improving problem-solving and reasoning
Teaching smart test-taking strategies
Our programs are tailored to each student’s needs, with experienced instructors who know how to meet students where they are and help them build real confidence in math.
If your child has a standardized test coming up, your local Mathnasium center is here to help.
Interested in learning more? Contact your neighborhood Mathnasium to find out how our standardized test prep programs can support your student’s success.
(845) 694-7033
