More than three million college admissions tests are administered each year, making the SAT and the ACT two of the most important exams that a high school student will ever take. To perform at their best, students should get used to the style and types of questions on the tests.  Also, students should boost their reading and vocabulary skills and learn specific process of elimination strategies. Above all, students need to work through as many practice questions and tests as possible in the weeks and months leading up to the actual exam.

• Since the test’s instructions will not change, don’t waste time reading the instructions on the day of the test. You should already know them.

• Never spend too much time on any single question – it’s just not worth it. It’s better to lose one point on a difficult question than to lose 10 points because you ran out of time on the last part of a section.

• If you are unsure of a question, circle it and come back to it if time permits.

• Don’t get bogged down on the difficult questions before you have racked up as many points as possible on the easy and medium questions.

Kayann Bock, Sylvan Learning of Eau Claire. Students who are interested in a test prep course should visit the “College Prep” area at www.SylvanLearning.com to learn more about Sylvan SAT Prep and Sylvan ACT Prep.