State Test Preparations

The standardized tests are coming up soon. It’s an assessment most grades will take and will test your knowledge and the things that you have learned in your grade. It determines your overall performance this year. So, it isn’t a big surprise that the upcoming assessment has put multiple students in schools under immense pressure and stress.

Students are distraught and practically biting their nails off, as the thoughts of the clock ticking and the day of the test getting closer rapidly floods their minds. Everyone has felt this way about state tests before. And judging by what the tests are supposed to determine, the pressure isn’t for nothing. But - are there ways to prepare? And how do we deal with the stress that is being put on us?

Fortunately, there are ways to prepare and to deal with the undulating pressure looming over you. And while it may not seem like much, it will help a lot.

To share, one way you can prepare is by volunteering to go to after schools or weekend schools that may provide additional support for studying for the state test. The Saturday Academy here at MS158 is a great example (I go there, but sadly you cannot sign up anymore and the last week is around the corner) because the teachers there will give you notes, tools, and tips you can use at your disposal to gain more knowledge about what will actually be on the standardized tests. So, prioritizing studying and going to extra classes is guaranteed to support you on your state test.

Another way you can prepare is to review your vital notes daily. This will ensure that you actually know what you are going to face when you do the state test, and that you really understand the material on the assessment. Also, be sure to manage your time efficiently so you can fit in some time to study for the test in your day. When you are about to study, neatly assemble your notes when studying, head to a comfortable and quiet study room devoid of distractions, and study under those conditions.

This will help your brain focus on the notes you are studying on and it will also confirm you are learning the material. (Recommendation: Play reinvigorating and soothing music to ease your mind of your worries. Just make sure not to get stuck on what song you’ll be selecting.)

The final way you can prepare is to turn on a positive mindset. Maybe you are currently thinking things about the state test that involve you doing horribly on it, and that you think that you won’t be good enough to do it. Throw all of that annoying junk out of your brain and leave room for something that’ll remind you that you will try your best and that you will do well on the test if you study hard enough. This will give you a boost of confidence and it will enlighten you and encourage you to study more and to remain calm.

Also, pace yourself. If you are studying and rushing to get it done, it is likely that your train of thought will spiral out of control and ruin your chances of actually learning the material. Take deep breaths, tell yourself you have enough time, and study at your own pace. Try not to think about the future too much. Clear your mind of anything you are worried about and keep reminding yourself you have time to study.

Before the day of the test, try to sleep as early as possible. On the day of the test, make sure to eat a healthy and nutritious breakfast. When you receive the paper, don’t think about it too much. Keep holding onto that positive mindset. Be reminded you’ll ace the test. Read each question carefully, don’t rush, and you’ll be fine.

The pressure is harsh, and maybe you feel like you won’t do good and that you want to give up. However, you can persist, and do well on the test with patience and practice. No matter how difficult it may seem, put all the negativity aside and know that you’ll do awesome.

Thank you for reading, and I hope this really helps. You can do it!