<p>On these tests, if you don't know the answer do you still fill in something despite losing points for getting things wrong? On my friend's last subject test he didn't know 15 questions so he just guessed everything. Was this a bad idea?</p>
<p>Yes, it was a bad idea. All College Board tests or at least the SAT, SAT II, and AP exams have their MC sections graded the same way. An incorrect answer is minus .25 points. As such, as we are told over and over again during our test-taking careers, it’s not advisable to guess unless you can eliminate some of the options.</p>
<p>Is this true? My AP Bio teacher said to guess anyway…</p>
<p>In practice, unless you have had a great deal of difficulty in mastering the basics of the subject, you can almost always eliminate one or two, or even three of the choices as unlikely/silly or whatever. If so, then guess (randomly is okay) from the remaining choices.</p>
<p>That’s a basic strategy for the SAT family of tests. If you play it safe by answering only when you’re sure you can easily lose 100+ points compared to other test takers.</p>
<p>That’s what your AP Bio teacher is telling you.</p>
<p>If however you don’t understand the question – most likely because its something you didn’t cover in class or absorb in your studies then skip the question.</p>
<p>when you can eliminate more than one choice it is in your advantage to guess, read some of the test taking strategy books, they will explain to you mathematically how this work in your advantage</p>