When it comes to standardized tests, time management is key to success. The clock is ticking, and you only have so much time to prove what you know. In this post, we’ll dive into five essential time management tips to help you conquer any standardized test.
1. Understand the Timing and Break It Down
First and foremost, you need to have a solid grasp of how much time is allocated for each section, passage, and question. Don’t just think of the total time for the entire test; break it down into smaller chunks. For example, if you have an hour for a section with 60 questions, aim to complete 10 questions every 10 minutes.
It’s also crucial to understand that not all questions require equal time. Some will take longer than others, so don’t give yourself the same amount of time for every question. Planning and adjusting your time for both easy and difficult questions is a game-changer.
2. Tackle the Easy Questions First
Many standardized tests, like the SAT and ACT, score all questions equally. Spending too much time on hard questions is not an effective strategy. Instead, focus on getting through the easy and medium-difficulty questions first. You can bank extra time for the more challenging ones later.
This approach ensures you don’t get bogged down early in the test, which can hurt your overall score. If skipping and coming back to difficult questions feels comfortable for you, give it a try!
3. Use Process of Elimination
For multiple-choice tests, process of elimination is an essential tool for time management. If you’re stuck on a question, don’t waste precious time trying to find the perfect answer. Instead, eliminate the wrong ones. If you’re left with two options, your chances of guessing correctly increase.
When you remove wrong answers quickly, you can make more educated guesses without getting hung up. And you’ll have more time for other questions.
4. Pay Attention to the Clock
It might seem obvious, but so many students forget to check the time during a test. Be mindful of where you stand time-wise. If you’re allowed, bring a watch or a timer to help you track your progress. Many modern tests, like the digital SAT, include on-screen timers, which you should use to your advantage.
While timers can sometimes cause anxiety, it’s better to know if you’re running out of time than to be caught off guard.
5. Don’t Get Stuck on One Question
This is a common pitfall: spending way too much time on one difficult question. You might be tempted to push through and solve it, but getting stuck here can lead to rushing through other questions—and potentially missing easy points.
Set a mental “shot clock” for each question. If a question is taking too long, make an educated guess and move on. You can always come back if you have time later.
Bonus Tip: Practice Timing Yourself
The best way to improve time management is through practice. Time yourself on homework, practice tests, or any work you’re doing. Practicing under timed conditions helps you build a sense of how long you should spend on each question, so when test day comes, you’re ready.
By following these five tips, you can improve your time management and increase your chances of success on any standardized test. Keep practicing, stay mindful of the clock, and you’ll be well on your way to acing your exam!