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Best Your Test: Eight Techniques for Acing Any Test

Sunday, January 1st, 2012

Knowing how to take a test is a vital skill that all serious students must practice. There are many types of exams that you will be required take to over your academic career. The following guide can be applied to all types of tests, from everyday subject tests in school to those pesky standardized tests. Take notes on the methods that are summarized below and try out these techniques on your next exam.

Scan. When you open your test, start by familiarizing yourself with the material. Scan the entire test immediately and evaluate the importance of each section. Note the amount of points each section is worth and estimate how much time will be needed for each part.

Read. Slowly read the directions and underline key words. It can be agonizing to lose points when you knew the material, but misread the directions. If the directions ask for one concise paragraph for your answer, write exactly one paragraph! Occasionally directions will state that you should answer only some of the questions (“pick eight out of ten questions to answer”). Discovering this after answering all ten questions is not only irking, but also takes away precious time from other parts of the test.

Write. Write down helpful facts that you memorized for the test so you do not worry about forgetting them and can refer to them during the test.

Answer. Start by answering the shortest questions first. This gives you the experience of success and prepares your brain for the harder questions.

Increase recall. What happens if an important fact slips your mind? First try to think of something similar. Start from the general and move to the specific. If you are still floundering, try writing a brief mind map to stimulate your memory. (This should not take more than one or two minutes. If so, cut it loose and move on to the next question. You can always come back to it at the end if time permits.)

Leave extra space. Whether you are writing your answers in sentence form or crunching numbers, leave extra space between answers. You will often recall an additional fact while completing a different problem, prompting you to add to a previous answer. Moreover, your instructor will appreciate the extra space when grading your test.

Look for answers elsewhere. It is common for answers to show up in other test questions. A date, equation, or other fact that you cannot remember may appear in the test itself.

Use your gut. For quick-answer questions such as true/false or multiple-choice, pay attention to your instinct. Never change your answer unless you are absolutely confident in your second choice.

 

Blake H. is an instructor and tutor for Revolution Prep. Blake attended Cal Poly –SLO as an undergrad and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Architecture at California College of the Arts.

About Revolution Prep: Revolution Prep offers ACT and SAT test prep group courses,  a hybrid course which includes test prep tutoring,  SAT / ACT software, ACT / SAT test prep tutoring and academic tutoring for finals, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, and more.  Revolution was named one of the fastest growing private companies nationwide on the Inc. 5000 list and was also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the fastest growing private companies in Los Angeles.

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Which AP Class Should I Take?

Friday, June 17th, 2011

AP classes require a lot of commitment.  Before you sign up, take some time to think about your goals. Are you considering taking the class because of a genuine interest in the subject, because you like a challenge or because you want to get college credit (or for all of those reasons)?   If college credit is even one of your reasons, you’ll want to do some homework.

First, confirm that the college that you are planning to attend accepts AP credit, what score they require for credit (most colleges accept a “4” or a “5,” but some also accept a “3”), and if there is a limit regarding how many hours of AP credit that they will allow.

Secondly, look at the course requirements for several of the college majors that you are considering. Many AP classes will count as electives but aren’t really required for your major.  If you only have time to take a handful of AP classes, take the ones that you’ll need for your major. Also, just because the class is required doesn’t mean that the AP option makes sense.  For instance, if you plan on being an engineering major and take AP Calculus in high school,  you may end up in Calculus II your first semester of college — which may make for a unnecessarily tough load.

And lastly, take those AP classes for which you think you have a good chance of scoring well.  Don’t tackle an AP class if you don’t have a solid track record of good grades in that subject.

If you could only take one AP class, the best bet for most students is to take AP Language and Composition and/or AP Literature and Composition.  These are the most commonly taught AP classes in high school in this country.  Almost all college majors require two semesters of English, and these AP classes will satisfy those requirements (provided that you score well).  In addition, these classes emphasize a skill (essay writing) which is required in many non-English classes in college.

About Revolution Prep: Revolution Prep offers ACT and SAT test prep group courses,  a hybrid course which includes test prep tutoring,  SAT / ACT software, ACT / SAT test prep tutoring and academic tutoring for finals, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, and more.  Revolution was named one of the fastest growing private companies nationwide on the 2010 Inc. 5000 list and was also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the fastest growing private companies in Los Angeles.

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Interested in Getting $2,500 for college?

Wednesday, May 11th, 2011

Revolution Prep is offering 8 sophmores and juniors  across the country the chance to win scholarships and free SAT test prep to help them get into the college of their dreams!

  • Three 1st place winners will receive a $2,500 college scholarship and 40 hours of premium test prep tutoring
  • Two 2nd place winners will receive 40 hours of premium test prep tutoring
  • Three 3rd place winners will receive a Revolution Prep SAT Group Course

Not only is this an amazing opportunity, but it is easy to register and win! Just go to revolutionprep.com/star, upload a photo of yourself, tell Revolution Prep who you are and why you want to be the Next Test Prep Star, and have you friends and family (and their friends and family) vote for you.

In the fall, the selected winners will video record themselves going through the test prep process and the videos will be posted on Revolution Prep’s website and Facebook page.  Making participants real life test prep reality stars.

Eligible applicants will be sophomores or juniors for the 2011-2012 school year, have not taken any test prep courses, have not taken the official SAT or ACT, and available to take the June 4th SAT test. To find out more information about this great opportunity and how to get the SAT score of your dreams please visit www.revolutionprep.com/star.

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Preparing for any AP Test

Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

Right now, many students across the country are s a bit nervous about the AP Exams.  Being calm and collected on test day has been shown to be one of the biggest factors in test performance, and one of the best ways to achieve that inner calm is from knowing what to expect on the test.

While there are many brands of study guides for sale that contain complete practice exams, another little known source (to students, anyway) of free exam material is on the College Board site itself.  Simply click on the links for “Education Professionals” followed by “K-12 teachers” and “AP Central Course Homepages” (under “Teacher Resources”).  Here you will find tests from previous years along with material written for teachers to help their students prepare for the tests.   For instance, for the European History AP Test, there are sample free response questions from the 1999-2010 tests, and there are sample student responses for all years dating back to 2003.  Similar resources are available for all AP courses.

If you need additional help, you can also hire an academic tutor who specifically teaches for your AP Exam. Revolution also offers AP Booster Classes.

 

 

Revolution Prep offers ACT and SAT test prep group courses,  a hybrid course which includes test prep tutoring,  SAT / ACT software, ACT / SAT test prep tutoring and academic tutoring for finals, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, and more.  Revolution was named one of the fastest growing private companies nationwide on the 2010 Inc. 5000 list and was also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the fastest growing private companies in Los Angeles.

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Should You Tutor Your Own Child?

Friday, April 29th, 2011

The simple answer to this is maybe.   There are several factors to consider – your ability, your availability, you and your child’s personality type and rapport, your budget, and your desire.  If you are considering being your child’s tutor, ask yourself the following questions:

(1)  Do you have personal expertise in this subject?  If your child is taking AP Calculus and you never made it through Algebra II, you are obviously not the right tutor.

(2)  Do you have any talent or experience teaching this subject?  For instance, you may be an excellent reader.  But if you don’t have any idea how to teach reading, you may be setting yourself up for frustration.  Even if you don’t have experience in teaching but have interest in learning methods for reading instruction (and have time to look into it), then you may want to give it a try.

(3)  Do you have the time to devote to regular academic tutoring and the discipline to make it happen?  For the best results, you need to be committed to at least two more lengthy tutoring sessions per week OR daily briefer tutoring sessions on top of whatever homework you are already helping with.  Consider your other family members and what they have going on.

(4)  Do you have generally good rapport with your child when discussing academic subjects?  You should have an idea based on the quality of homework time you have spent with your child.  If you have a tendency to be impatient, you may want to hire a professional academic tutor instead of jeopardizing your relationship with your child.

(5) If the factors above check out, do you have the desire to tutor your own child?  Sometimes tutoring can be a very bonding experience.  Conversely, even if you have talent, time and teaching ability, if this isn’t something you truly want to do, it will most likely not be a positive experience.

 

 

Revolution Prep offers ACT and SAT test prep group courses,  a hybrid course which includes test prep tutoring,  SAT / ACT software, ACT / SAT test prep tutoring and academic tutoring for finals, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, and more.  Revolution was named one of the fastest growing private companies nationwide on the 2010 Inc. 5000 list and was also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the fastest growing private companies in Los Angeles.

 

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Preparing for an Academic Tutoring Session

Wednesday, April 27th, 2011

If you are engaging an academic tutor for your child, you will want to make sure to get the most value  from each session. The academic tutor you have chosen is only part of the equation – you must also have a student with a good attitude who is well-prepared.

 

Curriculum It is important that your child bring his school books and assignments with him.  Most academic tutors will be able to teach your child how to solve simultaneous equations with no preparation, for instance, but it’s important that he understands the way your student’s particular book is presenting this concept in order to tailor the explanation.  Otherwise, your student may understand the academic tutor’s approach but be totally confused when he returns to class and is facing his instructor’s alternate method. If possible, explain to your child’s teacher that he is meeting with an academic tutor and request a copy of his text (and solutions manual, if available) to loan to his tutor. Many textbooks are also available in digital format – which is great if you have an online academic tutor. Give your academic tutor a call or email before your session to let him know what you’ve covered since your last session.  Otherwise, the first part of your academic tutoring session will be wasted on literally “getting on the same page.”

 

If your student will be tutoring for an entire semester, it’s also a good idea to get a copy of the class syllabus and test schedule for your academic tutor. Your academic tutor is then able to help your student schedule his time and pace himself in preparing for tests, mid-terms and finals.

 

Communication Ask your teacher if he/she is willing to share his email address with your academic tutor.  Sometimes it may be helpful for them to communicate directly. Most teachers are anxious to see their students succeed and are very willing to cooperate with the academic tutoring process as it really helps ease their workload.

 

Attitude In addition to communication and curriculum preparation, be sure your student has their attitude prepared for academic tutoring. Try to schedule academic tutoring sessions when your child will not be too tired or hungry (providing a snack beforehand if necessary). Many academic tutoring sessions occur right after school because it’s more convenient to the parents and tutor, but students are often burned out by that time. This is one advantage of online academic tutoring – it can happen in a very stress-free environment (like your child’s room) and can be at a time when they are refreshed.

 

Revolution Prep offers ACT and SAT test prep group courses,  a hybrid course which includes test prep tutoring,  SAT / ACT software, ACT / SAT test prep tutoring and academic tutoring for finals, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, etc.  Revolution was named one of the fastest growing private companies nationwide on the 2010 Inc. 5000 list and was also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the fastest growing private companies in Los Angeles.

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AP Courses: A Student’s Guide

Tuesday, April 26th, 2011

Advanced Placement (AP) courses allow students to earn college credit while still in high school. Students who are eager to be pushed academically and prepare for college benefit the most from taking AP courses. But AP classes are not for everyone. They are rigorous and require many additional hours spent studying than do non-AP courses.

Where to take AP courses. Most high schools offer a wide range of AP courses. For students interested in taking a course that is not offered at their high school, they can likely take the course at the nearest community college. You can also create an academic tutoring package to prepare specifically for the AP Exam.

Considerations before enrolling. Students taking AP classes for the first time may find the coursework exceedingly difficult and their grade point averages could suffer. To minimize the chances of doing poorly, it is advisable that students enroll in AP classes only if they are passionate about the subject material. AP classes are optional and should only be taken by self-motivated students. If you find you are struggling with an AP class, this is a good time to look into academic tutoring.

Benefits. AP courses allow students to improve on skills that are most likely already advanced. These courses are more intensive and taught at a quicker pace, presenting students with the challenge of staying focused. This increased pressure can force students to acquire better time management skills in addition to the skills actually taught during the course. These new skills are invaluable in helping to prepare students for the rigors of college academics.

Final exams. At the end of an AP class, students have the option of taking the AP exam for that subject. All AP students around the country take the same tests at the same time in designated testing centers. The test scores range from 1 to a 5. A score of 3 indicates the middle performance range, while a score of 5 is the highest possible score. To get college credit for AP classes, students must receive a score of at least 3 out of 5 points. Most but not all colleges accept AP credit, while some only count AP credits as electives. Even if students feel unprepared for the exam, the three-hour test is great practice and should be taken. Scoring well is important because it allows students to skip intro classes during the first year of college. A low score is not going to prevent students from receiving admission into a particular school; in fact, schools will not even see these scores. Students should think of these exams as a great opportunity to be tested on material that will not affect class rank, GPA, or grade for a particular high school class.

AP classes can be a great way to jumpstart a college career. Not only can the classes make high school more interesting, but they can help save money in the future. Students with AP credits will be able to skip the required courses that they tested out of, freeing up time to pursue courses in their major, or even graduate early!

Revolution Prep has AP Exams Booster Classes starting now as well as custom academic tutoring programs to help you prepare for AP Exams.

 

Blake H. is an instructor and tutor for Revolution Prep. Blake attended Cal Poly –SLO as an undergrad and is currently pursuing his master’s degree in Architecture at California College of the Arts.

 

Revolution Prep offers ACT and SAT test prep group courses,  a hybrid course which includes test prep tutoring,  SAT / ACT software, ACT / SAT test prep tutoring and academic tutoring for finals, SAT Subject Tests, AP Exams, etc.  Revolution was named one of the fastest growing private companies nationwide on the 2010 Inc. 5000 list and was also recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal as one of the fastest growing private companies in Los Angeles.

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A Tutor a Day Keeps the Stress Away: Benefits of Long-term Academic Tutoring

Monday, April 25th, 2011

A steady and long-term academic tutor is like having a regular doctor. Preventative medicine protects one from possible disease. In the same manner, academic tutors prevent academic dis-ease by lowering stress levels, academic anxiety, and ensuring that people feel confident about their learning experiences.

We have seen parents in panicked concern, students “freaking out,” and other situations that are uncomfortable, but essentially, preventable. Let’s take a more specific look into the matter.

Having a long-term academic tutor has many invaluable benefits: (more…)

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Do I need an academic tutor?

Friday, April 22nd, 2011

We all need a little help sometimes. Working one-on-one with an academic tutor can be just the boost you need to help you achieve your academic goals. And good tutoring has a lasting impact far beyond an A on one test or in one class – it can make you a stronger student overall.

Do any of these students sound like you?

  • “I work hard and study, but I still can’t understand all of the concepts.”
  • “No matter how much I cram or what approach I try, I struggle on tests.”
  • “I’m so busy with sports, band, and other extracurriculars, I can’t find time to do all the schoolwork I need to do.”
  • “I think I’m doing okay, but my parents want me to do better.”
  • “APs are coming up soon, and I need some help to make sure I get the score I want.”
  • “I try to pay attention, but I find myself daydreaming in class.”
  • “The teacher explains things in a way I don’t understand.”
  • “I need to pass the state test to graduate, but I keep missing the score I need.”

Whatever it is that is keeping you from performing at your best, an academic tutor may be able to help.

(more…)

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Academic Tutor Spotlight: Benji S.

Tuesday, April 19th, 2011

Meet Academic Tutor Benji S.

Academic Tutor Benji S.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Academic Tutoring Subjects:

Literature, Math I, Math II

 

Personal Statement

A Los Angeles native, Benji has been teaching SAT test prep and tutoring for over two years. In high school, Benji was a National Merit Semi-Finalist and won numerous writing awards. Benji moved east for college, graduating from Brown University with a degree in Theatre Arts. At Brown, Benji took full advantage of their open curriculum, studying everything from religion to the sciences while maintaining his primary focus on writing and directing for the stage and screen. While in college, he wrote and directed plays, short films, on-campus TV shows, and even a full-length feature film. When he is not teaching, Benji continues to write. He’s even had some success —  a few of his scripts have sold!

 

Student Survey Results

Recommendation Rate 89%
Teaching Ability: 5 out of 5 stars
Subject Expertise: 5 out of 5 stars

 

Testimonials

Revolution Prep gave me the tools of success I needed to do well on the SAT.
Easton F.

 

“It shows results fast”
Sara D.

 

This course was great. I now really understand how to answer the questions. I will definitely recommend this course to everyone I know.
Brian S.

 

Learn more about our Academic Tutoring program. Search for an academic tutor.

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