At Pivot Tutors, we often hear parents say that their student is a bad test taker, especially when it comes to high stakes tests like the ACT and SAT. This is even more disheartening when the student does really well in school but just cannot seem to get the score they want.
Common phrases we hear when talking with parents and students:
“My student is really bright but they cannot seem to do well on tests”
“I’m a terrible test taker. I just don’t know what they want from me.”
“My student has a 4.0 but does awful on the big tests!”
Many students believe they are simply “bad test takers,” but in reality, the issue is often related to test anxiety, unfamiliar testing formats, or a lack of standardized test strategies.
Important Caveat
The ACT and SAT do not measure your student's intelligence nor do the scores correlate with their true knowledge.
Many parents who were “bad test takers” themselves often presume that their children will also be bad test takers. But, luckily, bad test taking is not an inherited trait.
The truth is no one is a really bad test taker.
Most students who identify as bad test takers simply don’t know what standardized tests like the ACT or SAT want from them and struggle with how to approach these tests. The most important thing to remember is that there is no finality in being a bad test taker. Overcoming being a “bad test taker” starts with changing your mindset. Don’t tell yourself you are going to fail before you even start. You can always improve. You just need to learn how to take the test.
Why Standardized Tests Feel Different
While standardized tests, like the ACT or SAT, are intended to evaluate a student’s high school learning and college readiness, these tests don’t reflect what students are currently learning in their courses.
For Standardized Tests, the sections are not what you think!
- The Math sections on the ACT or SAT are not testing on math in the same way as your math courses.
- The Science section on the ACT is more like playing a game than testing on actual scientific knowledge or inquiry.
- The English sections on these tests are typically unfamiliar to students, testing on language patterns and grammar. Most schools do not even dig into grammar instruction anymore--diagramming sentences anyone?
- The Reading sections on the ACT or SAT probe skills, such as reading speed and comprehension, which differ from your usual English course tests.
Schools do not teach students how to be good test takers. Most academic classes are focused on teaching content and critical thinking and have little time to spend on teaching testing strategy.
What can your student do to become a Good Test Taker?
Usually students who do not do well on these tests have some of the following problems:
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Recognition
What is the question asking them to do? For some students, reading questions on the ACT and SAT feels similar to reading an unknown language.
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Application
How can a student apply the knowledge they do have to answer the question? Some students will overthink the question and try to do more than what the question is asking.
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Testing Anxiety
High-stakes exams like the SAT and ACT often trigger test anxiety, which can negatively impact performance even when students know the answers.
Understanding the “Game” Behind the Test
Standardized tests have their own rules, patterns, and timing challenges.
Students who want to improve their scores must learn how the test works and how to apply effective test-taking strategies under time pressure.
This process is similar to learning a sport: success requires coaching, strategy, and consistent practice.
How Test Prep Helps Students Improve
Working with a test prep company, like Pivot Tutors, will help your student learn how to prepare for the test in the most effective way with all the right materials and know how.
Here’s how structured SAT and ACT test prep helps:
- Students will learn the content for each section, and they will also learn/become familiar with all of the various questions that are found in the test.
- They will learn the strategies necessary to answer each question effectively and in a timely manner (the joys of timed tests).
- They will also practice what they are learning in session, through homework and by taking practice tests. Practice makes perfect. :)
Growing familiar with the standardized test and with the game behind each section will strengthen a student’s test-taking abilities and help reduce test-taking anxiety.
Final Thoughts
Being a “bad test taker” is often just a misunderstanding.
Most students simply need the right strategies, preparation, and practice to succeed.
By understanding how standardized tests work and learning effective test-taking strategies, students can significantly improve their performance and reduce test anxiety.
With the right preparation and support, any student can become a confident and capable test taker.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can someone really be a bad test taker?
Not usually. Most students who think they are bad test takers simply lack familiarity with standardized test formats or struggle with test anxiety.
Why do students perform worse on standardized tests?
Students often struggle because standardized tests require specific strategies, time management, and familiarity with question patterns.
How can students overcome test anxiety?
Students can reduce test anxiety by practicing with timed tests, learning test-taking strategies, and building confidence through preparation.
Can SAT or ACT scores improve with practice?
Yes. With structured SAT or ACT test prep, students can improve their understanding of question patterns, timing strategies, and problem-solving techniques.