Recently, a parent reached out to me about her child’s experience with a private school math entrance practice test. Her student got stuck on a single problem and spent so much time trying to solve it that she couldn’t finish three other questions—questions she likely could have answered correctly.
This situation isn’t uncommon, but the good news is that it can be addressed with the right strategies. If she had understood these three key techniques, her score might have improved dramatically:
- Organize Your Thoughts and Make a Plan
When faced with a challenging question, it’s extremely helpful to write down everything you know about the problem. Sketch diagrams, jot down formulas, or outline a plan of attack. Breaking the problem into smaller steps can help clarify your thinking and make the solution more accessible. - Know When to Move On
Time management is just as important as problem-solving. Learn to recognize when you’ve spent enough time on a single question. Develop a sense of what an appropriate amount of time per problem feels like, so you can move on and tackle the next question before running out of time. - Use Strategic Guessing and Elimination
On multiple-choice tests, elimination can be a powerful tool. Narrow down your options to make an educated guess. If the test doesn’t penalize wrong answers, ensure every question is answered—even if it’s a guess—before time runs out. It’s better to give your best shot at every question than to leave blanks.
Our Next Steps
When this student and I meet again, we’ll focus on these areas to ensure she’s better prepared next time. Here’s the plan:
- Analyze What Went Wrong:
We’ll start by diving into the problem that caused her to get stuck. What did she understand? Where did she get stuck? Understanding the exact sticking point will help her recognize similar situations in the future. - Build a Problem-Solving Toolbox:
We’ll discuss how to break problems into smaller steps, identify useful formulas, and apply procedures effectively. Having a reliable strategy can make even tough questions manageable. - Practice Timing:
Time management is a skill that can be developed with practice. We’ll do timing exercises to help her get a feel for how long to spend on each question and when to move on. - Focus on Prioritizing:
I’ll emphasize the importance of maximizing her score by answering as many questions as possible, even if that means skipping a tough one. Getting those last three questions right could make all the difference.
By the time we’re done, she’ll have the confidence to approach her next test with a solid plan and the strategies to avoid getting stuck. The goal isn’t perfection on every problem—it’s about showcasing her knowledge and giving her best effort across the entire test.
With the right preparation and mindset, she’ll be ready to tackle anything that comes her way.
