Is C The Most Common Answer? Counting Down The Top 4 Harmful Standardized Testing Myths

MYTH #4: The SAT and ACT are just longer versions of the multiple choice tests you’re used to.

Your average high school multiple choice exams were likely developed or adapted by the teacher of the class. So, more often than not, one person decides what questions will be asked, in what order, and whether “a” “b” “c” or “d” is the right answer.

For standardized tests like the SAT and the ACT, each question is developed independently by many different people in different fields and the correct answer is determined not by a person, but randomly by a computer. More about this in Myth #2.

MYTH #3: You can only improve my score by learning more and/or reading faster. 

This myth sounds like it makes sense, but it’s a total fairy tale. A familiar classic, but fiction none the less.  Yes, you need to study and know the basics of the material that will be covered. However, if you are struggling with test anxiety, what you actually need is to improve your score is to improve your approach to the test. 

Don’t just take our word for it… every single one of the major test prep programs teach different ways of doing the same things: recognize question types and use specific strategies.

Bottom line, taking the SAT or ACT without a plan is a bad idea. Especially if you have test anxiety.

MYTH #2: C is the most common answer.

As we discussed in Myth #4, the correct answers on multiple choice questions are randomly assigned by a computer. There is no bias towards C! That is an urban legend. (Also, computers don’t care if you make pretty patterns when you fill in the bubbles.)

MYTH #1: The most important thing you can do for test anxiety is get a good night’s sleep.

The most common advice given to students experiencing test anxiety is “get a good night’s sleep” before the test. Not only can getting good sleep before a high-stakes exam be unlikely and difficult, the reality is that when you’re tired and you don’t have a plan, anxiety takes advantage and makes it hard to figure out what to do.

However, if you have a plan and you have rehearsed, you’ll be ready. And there will be that boost of adrenaline to help you on test day.

Of course, chronic sleep deprivation is really bad for you. We’ve included some recommendations to clean up your sleep… called “sleep hygiene” in our Test Wolf College Admissions program. If you are systematically torturing yourself with a crazy sleep schedule or 5 hours a night, we have some tips to help you start fixing it now.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org