By Detra Brown
“I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky.”
~Oprah Winfrey
College is a decision that one takes seriously and involves preparation for success. One requirement for most schools is ACT and/or SAT scores. These scores do not define individuals but provide prospective schools with information about potential students. To increase the possibility for a positive outcome on these tests, preparing for the exams and having goals move students closer to their goals. Here are five goals taking the ACT and/or SAT.
- Plan ahead – Write the exam date on your calendar. Then devise a plan for studying each subject. For more difficult ones, anticipate 1 – 1 ½ hours of concentrated focus on the specified topic. Don’t wait till the last minute and assume that you will have everything you need for the exam.
- Do something daily – Endeavor to work on a portion of the test every day. Read for comprehension. Practice math. Devote time daily so you’re not overwhelmed at the end. By putting in the time at the beginning, you have the necessary ability to excel during the testing.
- Concentrate on your breathing – Anxiety is possible in the preparation and execution of test taking. Calm your nerves. Develop a pattern of rhythmic breathing. Take a deep breath in and hold for five seconds. Exhale for five seconds. Repeat. By doing the ahead of time, you can do so during the test to keep stress and anxiety at bay.
- No such thing as one and done. If your score isn’t what you want, try again. There’s always another opportunity. Don’t give up. You don’t have to limit yourself by the outcome of one test. Remember that schools consider you on more than just one test score.
- Don’t overthink anything – Overthinking causes added stress because it makes you believe that you are not prepared. That’s not the truth. You have put in the work and not you are ready to execute. Go with your first thought unless you have proof that another answer is best. No second guessing. You got this!
ACT/SAT tests are one factor that goes into opening doors to the next chapter of your life. Always do your best because you don’t want to have any regrets. It is easy to put things like studying off to the last minute and then have frustration when plans go off track. This doesn’t have to be your story. Determine your goals now and implement your plan so you can have the results that you desire.
