The MCAS is a statewide standardized test in Massachusetts that measures students’ academics in ELA, Math, and Science. For freshmen and sophomores, MCAS can be a long, stressful test, but it doesn’t need to be! With English and math MCAS done, and biology MCAS on the way, here are multiple tips and tricks to prepare for this dreaded test.
Start Early
Don’t wait for the night before to cram all the information in! Begin the process several weeks earlier, ensuring you have enough time to review any material you may need to know. Allowing yourself time to go over the material can make for a much less stressful experience.
Practice with MCAS sample questions
Taking practice tests and answering sample problems can help you understand what the test may be like. It gives you a feel for the format of the test and the types of questions that are on it. There are many available sources online where you can take these tests, or you can ask your teacher if they have any MCAS questions from previous years.
Learn Good Test-Taking Skills
Good test-taking skills can make a big difference when taking the MCAS. These are skills you may already have, but it never hurts to sharpen your skills. Some examples of important strategies are reading each question carefully and narrowing it down to possible answers. If you don’t know the answer right away, don’t worry, you can always go back to it later.
Come Prepared
The night before the big day, make sure you have everything ready for the next day. Charge your testing device and pack any other materials you might need, like pencils or calculators. Sleep is important, so try to go to bed early and get a good night’s rest. Being energized can help you perform better. When you wake up before the test, make sure to have a good, healthy breakfast.
Stay Calm and Focused
While taking the test, don’t panic! Doing well on this test can get you scholarship money, but you do not need to pass it in order to graduate from high school, so relax! However, you should still be trying your best. If you come across a question you don’t know how to answer, move on and come back to it later. Don’t forget to pace yourself and keep an eye on the clock.
Ultimately, taking MCAS for freshmen and sophomores can be stressful. In order to feel confident and do well on the MCAS, follow these 5 tips! Remember to stay calm and focused, and take your time with each question. If you become overwhelmed, take a break and think about what you’ve learned. You’ve got this! Good luck!
