The phenomenon of "Test Day"

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>I took the June SAT and scored considerably lower in the Math and Reading sections that I had been scoring on practice tests, and, seeing the online score report, it wasn't just that the curve was harsh, or anything like that.</p>

<p>I missed 7 math questions and 6 reading questions. (Two of the math questions were EASY LVL questions. I haven't missed an easy question since the first practice test I ever took--in December). The last pratice test I took before the test, I missed 1 reading and 1 math question. (The one before that, 4 reading and 2 math, the one before that, 5 reading and 3 math). These practice tests were either past QAS's or official CB practice tests, comparable in difficulty. </p>

<p>What do you guys think is responsible for this? I know it's probably related to test stress, but I really wasn't that stressed out. I even fell asleep quickly the night before and slept the whole night uninterrupted. How would you suggest I improve for next time?</p>

2

<p>It's different for everyone.</p>

<p>To some, it is the fact that they simply don't function well in the mornings.</p>

<p>To some, it is test day anxiety.</p>

<p>To some, they are more prone to crumbling under pressure than others.</p>

3

<p>Eat a light, healthy breakfast, wear comfortable clothing, bring water with you in case of thirst, bring a light snack (carrots work well, so does an apple; preferably something which is easy to consume and will not bloat you, and requires no clean up).</p>

<p>Before you begin, close your eyes and breath in and out deeply, if that works for you. Try to be calm, and not nervous, going into the test.</p>

4

<p>^Make sure you tell the school to never turn off the damn A/C when it's like 100 degrees outside or you'll be screwed like I was June.</p>

5

<p>Is there anyway to combat anxiety the night before, so much that it affects one's sleeping? I literally got two hours of sleep that night, so taking the test really sucked that day.</p>

6

<p>=/ that sucks man. the same thing happened for me, in the may's writing sections,i got like -16.i thought there must be a grading error or something. because i've been getting like -7ish on practice,there's no way i can get -16
-.-
now looking back, maybe it was because i was thinking about some math problems i did in the previous sections, that's probably one reason why i messed up =/
oh well,theres october =]</p>

7

<p>I always do way better on test day.</p>

<p>PSAT practice test was 206, and the real 223.</p>

<p>SAT practice tests were 2130, 2230 and 2230; the real, 2350.</p>

<p>Thats sort of interesting. I always concentrate way better on days I am taking the test. </p>

<p>Maybe you should not think about the consequences of a poor performance, if you are.</p>

8

<p>the thing about standardized test is that they test not only your knowledge, but your ability to apply it under test conditions. some people are born test takers and with half the vocabulary or math of the guy beside them, they can ace the SAT. the guy beside him may know the dictionary, be a mathlete or whatever, but if he's a bad test taker or anxious on test day, he's going to screw up. if you fall into the latter category due to anxiousness or whatever the cause may be, then do try to figure out which aspects of your testing skills you are lacking in and try to work on them.</p>