TOP 10 STRATEGIES TO RAISE YOUR SSAT/ISEE SCORE

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TOP 10 STRATEGIES TO RAISE YOUR SSAT/ISEE SCORE

1. You don't really need to read the directions when you take your test. By the time you actually sit down to take your exam, you've read this book, you've taken all of the practice tests you could find, and you've read enough test directions to fill a library. So when the exam clock starts ticking, don't waste time rereading directions you already know. Instead, go directly to Question 1. If, however, you don't feel as confident as we do about your abilities, then read the directions.

2. Question sets usually go from easiest to most difficult—you should, too! Except for the reading comprehension questions, test questions follow this pattern. So, work your way through the earlier, easier questions as quickly as you can.

3. The easy answer isn't always the best. Remember, the hardest questions are usually at the end of a section and that also means the answers are more complex. Look carefully at the choices and really think about what the question is asking.

4. An educated guess is always best. The process of elimination is the best way to improve your guessing odds. Check out the answer choices and try to cross out any that you definitely know are wrong. If you're answering a question with five answer choices and you're able to knock out two choices, the odds go up to 331?3 percent that you will be correct.

5. It's smart to keep moving. It's hard to let go, but sometimes you have to. Don't spend too much time on any one question before you've tried all of the questions in a section.

6. For the ISEE, do not leave any blanks at the end of a test. Keep track of your time and if you have questions remaining when time is almost up, try to answer the rest of the questions.

7. You're going to need a watch. If you're going to pace yourself, you need to keep track of the time—and what if there is no clock in the room or if the only clock is out of your line of vision? A word of warning: Don't use a watch alarm or your watch will end up on the proctor's desk!

8. Keeping your place on the answer sheet saves time and test points. Keep your place on the answer sheet by laying your test booklet on top of it so it acts as a line marker, moving the two as you mark an answer. This way you won't lose points by marking the right answer in the wrong row.

9. Check and recheck if you have time. If you finish a part before time is up, use the remaining time to check that each question is answered in the right space and that there is only one answer for each question.

10. Relax, and good luck!

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