What makes some people better test-takers than others? The secret isn’t just knowing the subject, it’s knowing specific test-taking strategies that can add up to extra points. Learn how test-makers think, what they’re looking for and how to use this knowledge to your advantage. Smart test-takers know how to use pacing and guessing to add points to their scores.

Tip 1: Pace yourself and keep moving
Knowing that the scored sections of the SAT contain 78 verbal questions to be answered in 75 minutes means that you have nearly a minute to answer each question. But if you use less than a minute to answer the easier questions, you’ll have extra time to answer more difficult ones. Questions usually go from easiest to most difficult, so work your way through the earlier, easier questions as quickly as you can.

Don’t spend too much time on a question before you’ve tried all the questions in that section. There may be questions later on in the test that you can answer easily, and you don’t want to miss out on points just because you didn’t get to them.

Tip 2: The easy answer isn’t always best
Some answers may look complex, but could just contain extra material to throw you off. Read each choice carefully and really think about what the question is asking. The most obvious answer isn’t always the best choice.

Tip 3: Don’t read the directions
By the time you actually sit down to take the SAT or ACT, you’ve read this magazine, you’ve taken all the practice tests you could find, and you’ve read enough test directions to fill a library. So when the exam clock starts ticking, go directly to the first question.

Tip 4: Bring a watch
If you’re going to pace yourself, you need to keep track of the time. It’s a good idea to bring a watch to the test. A word of warning: Don’t use a watch with an alarm, or your watch will end up on the proctor’s desk.

Tip 5: Get ready for the test the night before
The last 24 hours before the SAT or ACT is not the time to cram—it’s actually the time to relax. The tests measure how you think and your grip on general high school curriculum, not what you can learn in one evening. Last-minute cramming can be more confusing than illuminating.

There are, however, plenty of steps you can take in the final 24 hours. For one thing, don’t do anything too stressful. On the night before the big day, find a diversion to keep yourself from obsessing about the tests. Maybe stay home and watch some of your favorite television shows, or go out to an early movie. Just make sure you get plenty of sleep.

You should also prepare the following items before you go to bed:

Registration ticket: You should have received one in the mail.

Identification: A driver’s license is preferable, but anything with your picture will do.

Pencils: Make sure you bring at least three #2 pencils; those are the only pencils that the scoring machines can read.

Calculator: Bring the calculator with which you’re most comfortable with, but don’t take a calculator that produces a paper tape or makes any noise at all. You won’t be allowed to use it.

Layered clothing: By dressing in layers, you can adapt to extreme heat or cold.

Wristwatch: Your classroom should have an operational clock, but if it doesn’t, you want to be prepared. Again, don’t wear a watch that makes noise.

Snack: You’re not allowed to eat during the test administration in your test room, but you are given a break. Bring a fortifying snack that you can eat quickly out in the hallway.

This article was taken from The Next Step Magazine Checklist Edition in conjunction with Peterson’s, a part of The Thomson Corporation.

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