What Advice Would You Give to Other Students as They Prepare to Take the OGT or Achievement Tests?

Elderly Advice from a Knowledgeable Senior

by Valerie Jonkoff

Test anxiety―it sneaks up on you whether the week before that test (that just so happens to determine the rest of your life...so no pressure) or those first few seconds before you're instructed to "open your test booklet to page 1." No one actually likes taking standardized tests; it's just one of those things we all need to do for whatever reason (to apply to college, or you know, to graduate from high school). Now I can't lie to you and tell you these tests are easy and to be taken lightly because they are not. But what I can do is pass on a few test anxiety tips that I used before I took the OGT, the PSAT, the SAT, and the ACT, and to be honest, I will most likely use these same tips before taking my AP tests as well. So what elderly advice am I, a knowledgeable senior, going pass on to you, a future test taker?

Eat a HEALTHY breakfast. I know, I know. Everyone tells you this but it's true. Eating a good breakfast gives your brain the "fuel" it needs to get through that mental workout it's about to undergo. It also helps your mind devote complete attention to the test in front of you. When I took the ACT the guy next to me shoved a cookie down his throat and washed it down with a can of Red Bull...this is NOT a healthy breakfast. I recommend eggs and toast or something with a lot of protein to keep you full for a longer amount of time.

Get a good night's sleep. This is possibly the best tip I can give you. So let me reiterate: Sleep at least a full 8 hours before your test. Don't even stay out until your 12:30 curfew. Go home. Get a good night's rest to be awake and energized for that 4-hour test you're about to take. It's not as easy to stress about anything when your mind is fully rested and up for a challenge. Besides, the last thing you want to be doing is passing around a yawn during the writing section of the SATs.

Come prepared. Bring everything needed for the test you're about to take (i.e., pencils, calculator, photo ID, admissions ticket). This will save you from worrying about something that is actually in your control.

Take deep breaths. Corny I know, but when you're freaking out about taking a test, a few deep, calming breaths will help get oxygen to the brain and calm you down. This can refocus your attention and give your mind a break for a second.

Take your time. Slow down; pace yourself. Don't start speeding through a section on a test because you think you're running out of time. Don't spend too much time on one question, watch the clock, and you'll be A-OK.

Remember with most of these tests you can take them again and even study for them as well. This test you're worrying about so much is something to be taken seriously but at the same time, it's to be taken lightly. The world will not end if you don't pass.

More Student Voices

Since the introduction of the Ohio Graduation Test as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, students have become extremely anxious regarding their ability to take tests, specifically standardized tests like the OGT and formerly the 9th grade proficiency tests. Depending on who is asked, students seeking advice might get a wide variety of answers, but one key theme that they will find is that test takers need to be relaxed. Perhaps a key part of this is eating a good breakfast and getting some sleep the night before, but one way or another, test takers need to be relaxed.

As a performer, I've found that the best adage is "practice the way you want to perform." In other words, in preparation, students need to have the same type of environment that they want to have when they take the actual test. In other words, students wishing to do well need to be confident when they take the test, and the easiest way to do that is through efficient preparation. Efficient preparation involves three main components: making a study plan that hits on all the key details to be tested, following through and completing that plan, and giving adequate time to complete the plan. Doing those three things will help students to relax and, subsequently, to do well on tests like the OGT.
--High school senior

Most kids have test anxiety. They get all stressed out about proficiency tests, achievement tests, and graduation tests. Why? Well, some get stressed out because they're worried about how they'll do. They're afraid that they won't pass or do as well as they should.

How do you get rid of the stress? Well, I always think of it like this; it's just another test about information I already know and have been told about many times. I also think about past successes. I've passed this, I've passed that, why can't I pass this too. Also, if someone encourages us kids taking the test, it will boost our confidence and help us do better.
--Middle school student

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