Mathematics is indeed one tough subject. Taking Mat exams is one of the fright of every individuals particularly the students. So here are some tips to overcome this and make taking Math test an easy and lighter one.
The night before the test get plenty of sleep.
Eat well prior to the test (both protein and carbohydrates.)
Take your I.D., three of four pencils, your watch (and if allowed, a calculator with freshly installed batteries.)
Arrive at the test site a little early.
If your find yourself getting anxious, walk briskly for a few moments to get your heart rate up just a little (this takes the edge off any adrenaline jitters.)
For paper and pencil test like the RAT, NAT and NCAE……
There is usually a percentage of incorrect answers that are deducted from you total score, so you must be very wise in guessing. Your strategy is to maximize your score in the time permitted, without incurring penalties.
On each section, you will be told how many minutes you have for that section.
Note what time you start, and figure the time at which you have to complete that section.
Now subtract 3 minutes from the time given to complete the test. Write that time down so you will know when you need to stop working problems and start filling in the answer sheet or grid.
As you go through the problems:
Work in the test book. Use any available blank space for figuring, as needed.
Circle your answer choice
Also write the letter of the answer choice next to the problem number.
You will be filling in the answers on the blanks or grid during the last three minutes, so do not put anything on the answer sheet as you are working problems.
Do the problems in three approaches:
First:
o Do the ones you know how to do and can do quickly.
o Star any problems that you think you know how to do, but will take more time.
o Circle any problems that you don’t know how to do. If it is not a multiple-choice problem, guess. There is no penalty for guessing on these short answer types.
Second:
o Return to the problems that you starred. These are the ones that you’re fairly sure you can figure out, but that need more time. Typical of this level of problem would be the ones in which you must try all possible answers to eliminate the incorrect ones.
Third:
o Spend what time you have remaining (not including your last three minutes) working on the problems. Up to now, you have maximized your points given the time constraint. On multiple-choice problems, if you can eliminate at least one answer as incorrect, guess. If you cannot eliminate at least one of the choices, it will be better not to guess. If there is no penalty for incorrect responses, then guess freely.
When you have used up all your time but the last three minutes, stop working. Use the last three minutes to fill in your answer sheet, and check it at least once to be sure you have marked the correct response for each problem. You may be able to check them all twice.
With all the tips and hints given, taking Math test will be a lot easier…
By: Ms. Lizel D. Mañalac | Teacher I | Magsaysay National High School
