1. Use your time wisely.
2. Answer practice questions ahead of time.
3. Read all test directions carefully.
4. Read each question carefully and thoroughly.
Before you answer a multiple-choice question, determine exactly what is being asked, then eliminate the wrong answers and select the best choice. Never skim a question or the possible answers; skimming may cause you to miss important information or nuances.
5. Do not spend too much time on any one question.
If you do not know the correct answer, or if the question is too time-consuming, try to eliminate choices you know are wrong, select the best of the remaining answer choices, and move on to the next question. Try not to worry about the impact on your score—guessing may lower your score, but not finishing the section will lower your score more.
Bear in mind that if you do not finish a section in the allotted time, you will still receive a score.
6. Confirm your answers ONLY when you are ready to move on.
Once you have selected your answer to a multiplechoice question, you will be asked to confirm it.
Once you confirm your response, you cannot go back and change it. You may not skip questions, because the computer selects each question on the basis of your responses to preceding questions.
7. Plan your essay answers before you begin to write.
Th e best way to approach the two writing tasks that comprise the Analytical Writing Assessment is to read the directions carefully, take a few minutes to think about the question, and plan a response before you begin writing. Take care to organize your ideas and develop them fully, but leave time to reread your response and make any revisions that you think would improve it.