With the March 9 SAT exam less than two weeks away, it is crunch-time! If you missed it, review Part One and Part Two of this series. Students and parents seeking a last minute prep course should consider our One-Day SAT Class held this coming Saturday, March 2.
SAT TIP 3: Cross Out Incorrect Choices and Code Possible Correct Answers
The importance of the SAT can add unbelievable pressure and cause students to freeze up on the exam. This anxiety often leads to students forgetting simple SAT strategies like taking advantage of the multiple-choice format of the test.
Although it may seem self-explanatory and overly obvious, it is critical to cross off choices that you know for sure are incorrect. At times, the multiple choices can seem to loom under the question and, in the stress of the moment, can seem to blend together into a string of jumbled possibilities that you keep reading and rereading.
Simply crossing out choices that you know for sure are incorrect can eliminate this frustration and confusion. This will help to limit the number of choices that remain as well as prevent repetitious reading of choices that you have already determined are wrong.
Code Possible Answers: Do not become over zealous and cross out a choice that you think may be a possibility. In this case, simply write an M for maybe to the left of it so that you can go back to it after you read all of the choices and re-evaluate the possibility of it being correct. By coding the choices in this way you can help yourself to organize possible correct answers.
Additionally, this method can help you to save time because it allows you to confidently skip re-reading choices that you have already determined are wrong. Despite the stress of the moment, try to remember that a correct choice does exist for each question and that by having a plan on how to deal with the multiple choice format can help you arrive at that correct answer more quickly and accurately.
Finally, you can greatly improve your SAT test score by taking practice exams, reading the Offical SAT Study Guide from the College Board and by taking an SAT Prep Course, like our One-Day Prep Class, which is held Saturday, March 2.
