Starting in third grade in most states, standardized tests are the cornerstone of academic achievement in today's schools. But what if your student struggles with the multiple choice format? 

First, remember that a test is only measuring the taker's ability at that moment; it is never an indication of overall intelligence. Students can place too much significance on a test, check out our other blog on overcoming test anxiety for more tips on how to make testing less stressful. 

However, the best way to make sure your child aces a test is proper preparation. Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind for a multiple choice test. 

1. Process of elimination - This tool is probably the first on any list of test-taking strategies. Multiple choice tests use distracting answers to make sure a student can pick out the right one. When looking at any question, first cross out the answers that are definitely wrong to weed out any distracting clutter. 

2. Take your time - Very few people–if any–enjoy tests, so it is natural to try and finish as quickly as possible. Simple mistakes always come from rushing, so take your time to read the instructions, questions, and answers. 

3. Questions first - Before you read a passage or study a chart, read all the questions so you know what to expect. If you read the questions first, you'll know where to focus your attention. 

4. Read carefully - Some questions ask for the one correct answer, but others will want the one answer that is not correct. Read each question and answer carefully to make sure you don't make a simple mistake. Some answers will look similar, so read to the end of each answer. 

5. Best Answer - Often, more than one answer will seem mostly correct. Look for keywords in the question that point to the most precise, detailed, and correct answer. 

6. Keywords - Underline or highlight important words in the question and answers. Some details may not be important, so selecting what is important can help your brain focus. 

7. Time Management - Don't spend five minutes deliberating on a question you don't know. Mark it and move on. Come back to it at the end when you know you've finished the easy questions. This method can help you save time and energy until the end of the test. 

8. Always answer - On the SAT or ACT, do not leave any answers blank. Wrong answers do not count against you, so if you happen to guess right, it will only add points to your score. 

9. Skimming - If a test has long reading sections, read the first and last sentence of every paragraph, then read the questions. You'll know where to go back and read more carefully once you see the questions. 

10. Don't assume - Questions should be viewed individually. If something is not stated directly in a question, don't assume information from the passage or other questions is relevant.