The "Categorize Your Mistakes" Exercise
By Allen Grabo
We all make mistakes, but in order to improve your test scores - the most important skill you need to focus on is how to learn from them. In this blog post, we'll show you a super effective exercise called "Categorize Your Mistakes" to help you identify, understand, and ultimately overcome those errors that may be holding you back. By actively recognizing and addressing your mistakes, you'll be better prepared to achieve your desired score on the SAT. So, let's get started!
No matter where you are in your SAT prep journey, it's essential to diagnose your mistakes to improve your performance. This process is crucial for everyone, including:
Students with "lower than expected" practice test results
High-achieving students who struggle with "random" errors
Students who blame the test rather than their own weaknesses
To get the most out of this exercise, make sure to include all sections of the test - not just math or reading. By considering errors across the board, you're more likely to spot meaningful patterns.
Now, let's dive into…
The four common mistakes on standardized tests:
Content: You didn't know the material, like grammar rules or math equations. For example, you might struggle with a math problem because you haven't learned the relevant formula.
Process: You knew the content but didn't apply it correctly, like not reading far enough for context or not drawing a triangle on paper. In this case, you might have used the wrong method to solve a problem or misinterpreted a reading passage.
Reading: You misread the question, answered the wrong question, or didn't read all the answer choices carefully. Here, you might have missed a keyword or focused on the wrong part of a passage.
Oops: You simply goofed up. Maybe you accidentally bubbled in the wrong answer or made a calculation error.
How should you feel about each type of mistake?
Content: Don't sweat it. It's hard to feel bad about something you haven't learned yet. Instead, focus on learning and mastering the material.
Process: Feel a bit bad - you know better! Work on refining your problem-solving techniques and strategies.
Reading: You have the knowledge; you just need to focus on answering the actual question with the best-fitting answer. Practice active reading and comprehension skills.
Oops: Try not to give away points for no reason. Double-check your work and stay attentive.
To efficiently analyze your errors, keep a running tally of each mistake type while correcting your homework or practice tests. Mark your answer sheet with a C, P, R, or O, and then tally them up on a separate sheet. Look for patterns and focus on the dominating category.
Conclusion
The "Categorize Your Mistakes" exercise encourages you to take ownership of your errors, making it easier to tackle your weaknesses head-on. By actively recognizing and addressing your mistakes, you'll be better prepared to conquer the SAT and achieve your desired score. So, grab your practice tests, categorize those mistakes, and watch your progress soar! Remember, practice makes perfect, and with dedication and perseverance, you'll be well on your way to SAT success.
