MANAGING THE TESTS
This guide is designed to provide you with comprehensive strategies and insights for excelling in the Language Proficiency, Reading Comprehension, Science, and Mathematics portions of college entrance examinations. By delving into each section, you will equip yourself with the necessary tools to approach each test portion with confidence and precision. Prepare to enhance your understanding and performance across these critical areas, thereby maximizing your chances of success in the competitive landscape of college admissions.
Mathematics
College entrance math tests typically include Arithmetic, Basic and Advanced Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Statistics and Probability. There’s also a section focusing on Word Problems, which encompass concepts from all math subjects.
Manage the Questions: These questions can be more challenging than other math problems, but you’ll find topics you’re familiar with. The easier ones often require single-step solutions. Tackle these first, then move on to the more difficult problems in the remaining time.
Strategize: Be aware of the common types of problem-solving equations and their corresponding solutions.
Keep Your Pencil Moving: Read the question and attempt to answer it before looking at the choices. If your answer isn’t among the options, re-read the question. This time, visualize the problem and draw it out on scratch paper. Note necessary facts like numbers, units, and dimensions.
Visualize: Draw diagrams! Diagrams are immensely helpful in solving word problems. Familiarize yourself with the types of diagrams used in each math topic, as they can simplify complex problems.
Back-Solve: If you find it hard to start solving a problem, use the back-solving method. Pick an answer choice, plug it into the problem, and see if it fits. For questions with increasing options, start with Option C. If C is higher, test A; if C is lower, test D. This way, you’ll only need to test two choices.
Read Carefully: Read word problems carefully and study the possible answers. The units of the choices can help you determine the right formula or solution. For complex questions, break down the problem. Note the given data and the unknowns, determine the solution, and perform the calculations with the correct values.
Shortcuts: Know any? Use them! As there are no partial credits, it is most essential that you get the right answer in the fastest time possible. You won’t be asked to show solutions anyway so use those shortcuts!
Pro Tips:
Know Your Stats! Be familiar with statistical terms like mean, median, and mode. This will save you time during the test.
Practice Deriving Equations! Analyze problems and formulate simple equations. If you find this difficult, memorize common equations used in different types of problems.
Express Probabilities in Fractions! Instead of decimals, express probabilities as fractions. They’re often easier to work with in equations.
Understand Event Probabilities! Determine if you’re being asked for the probability of one event or a combination of two events. These require different equations and operations.
DO NOT FORGET YOUR BASIC ARITHMETICS! Always brush up on your basic arithmetic. These fundamental skills are essential for solving more complex problems.
By following these detailed tips and strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle your college entrance math tests with confidence. Practice consistently, and these techniques will become second nature to you.