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Spatial Perception and Standardized Bubble Test Format

Tags

Standardized Test Prep MS/HS/College Strategy

Skills

Visual Discrimination Spatial Perception

Spatial Perception and Standardized Bubble Test Format

Spatial perception can affect how efficiently you are able to work back-and-forth from test booklet to answer key, as well as finding the correct bubble. Spatial perception also can be important in specific topics such as geometry, trigonometry and understanding graphs and charts on the science section. Some students with weaker spatial perception might have difficulty keeping their eyes focused on longer reading passages, especially when they get tired.

Top Priorities For Standardized Tests

  1. Create an awareness of your pacing so you realize if you are slowing down since one of the challenges of standardized tests is the required sustained visual stamina. Using tools like a visual timer can help monitor pacing as you practice.
  2. Practice taking full length tests to build up stamina for test day.
  3. Use strategies that lessen visual-spatial processing overload: e.g. folding over the test booklet, using a sheet of paper to track your place, circling your answer in the test booklet so it is easier to find, and taking notes or underlining on reading comprehension passages.

Sat Vs. Act Considerations

  1. ACT: Requires more visual stamina for the greater number of total questions, more interpolation on graphs and charts, and more geometry and trigonometry problems.
  2. SAT: Repeating ABCD answer key is easier to make mistakes.
  3. Bottom Line: Toss Up! The visual advantages of the ACT might make the test mechanics easier. However, you might find the graphs and charts and the Math content more challenging on the ACT.

Why This Is Different From Classroom Tests

Spatial perception is important in many academic tasks, but aside from art and design, you usually can rely on stronger reasoning or memory skills to compensate. While some students might have some assignments during the semester that depend on spatial perception, it usually will not affect most of their work. However, on standardized tests, the continuous visual-spatial stamina required because of the bubble test format could affect efficiency throughout, as well as on some test content.