There are several ways to approach taking standardized tests. You need to find the strategy that works best for you. I like to use a "Reverse Triage" (starting with the easiest) method as follows:
1. READ THE DIRECTIONS!!!!
2. Look over the whole test or section. This will reduce some of your natural anxiety as soon as you realize you REALLY do know some of the answers.
3. Start at the beginning. Do the easy ones first - as this is a timed test it will give you more time to spend on the more difficult problems.
4. As you come to a difficult problem, if you can't solve it right away, find a way to mark it in your test booklet - a light star or circle and MOVE ON.
5. **Be sure you answer the next question in the right spot on your answer sheet as these are usually a scan sheet and if you miss one, all the rest of your answers will be wrong.
6. Go back to the circled ones and try to figure them out. Always be mindful of the time you have remaining.
7. If time remains, go back over & review all the questions, even the easy ones. Sometimes you will spot a common mistake. Remember, the testing companies will use common mistakes in their answer choices.