When is comes to the SAT, everyone has a surefire test taking tip, an outrageous amount of suggested study hours, or a formula for guessing the right answers, but having this one particular thing is the surest way to achieve successful SAT results. It is confidence! Confidence will allow you to leave stress and anxiety behind and excel at the SAT.

Beating Anxiety

The SAT is likely one of the few timed tests you will take in high school. It is also one of the longest tests you will probably take. It requires mental stamina to perform well on such a long exam under the crunch of time. Taking an extreme test that has a significant impact on your future can induce anxiety in even the calmest student. According to the American Test Anxieties Association, 16-20% of students report high test anxiety and another 18% report moderate levels of test anxiety. Anxiety creates stress and stress can cause you to second guess yourself or freeze up during the exam; extreme stress can even cause physical illness. Confidence will fight against stress and anxiety because you know you can do well. You are confident you know the answers, so you won’t waste time second guessing yourself. Confidence will prevent you from comparing your progress to the apparent progress of those around you.

Building Confidence

How do you build confidence? Take practice tests. Practice tests eliminate the element of the unknown. A thorough understanding of the how the questions are asked and the types of material they address will help you feel confident that you know exactly what will be on the exam. Studying and moments of test prep over time, rather than cramming in the days approaching the exam, will maintain your health and well-being, as well as your mindset. Positive self-talk and eliminating negative thoughts will help boost your confidence and get rid of anxiety.

Test taking tips are helpful on the day of the exam, but they won’t help you if you are overcome with anxiety and stress. Work to boost your confidence, visualize success, use positive images and self-talk, and practice long before the day of the exam. Changing your mindset as your approach the SAT is one of the best ways to ensure success.

 

San Jose ACT SAT test prep tutoring

By marrying the best of private instruction with the best of group practice, Mr. Test Prep’s San Jose SAT Prep program supplies students with the resources they need to succeed. Having served San Jose’s SAT Prep needs for the last 18 years, Michael Romano is uniquely qualified to instruct students on the content of the test and advise parents about how best to plan the SAT/ACT season. To learn more, book a Free Diagnostic Session today

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