As a test administrator, you’ve probably seen it all—students furrowing their brows, second-guessing their answers, or frantically changing their selections at the last moment. Decision-making is a critical skill not just for students navigating a multiple-choice test but also for anyone making high-stakes choices in life, from predicting sports outcomes to selecting the best career paths.

What if we told you that the same strategies used to ace a Scantron test can be applied to other decision-making scenarios?

Here’s how you can guide test-takers toward smarter, more confident choices.

 

1. Encourage Trust in First Instincts—Most of the Time

We’ve all heard the saying, “your first answer is usually right.” While it’s not always foolproof, research suggests that initial instincts often lead to better choices. When students second-guess themselves due to doubt rather than new reasoning, they may end up making an unnecessary change.

Pro Tip for Test Administrators: Remind students to trust their initial judgment—especially when it’s based on strong preparation and logical reasoning.

 

2. Teach the Process of Elimination

Eliminating obviously incorrect options can dramatically increase the odds of choosing the right answer. This critical thinking skill isn’t just useful in testing—it’s the foundation of sound decision-making in everyday life.

Pro Tip for Test Administrators: Encourage students to rule out implausible answers first, then focus on selecting the best choice from what remains.

 

3. Warn Against Trick Questions and Distractions

Standardized tests sometimes include misleading answer choices designed to test comprehension. Similarly, outside of the testing world, media and external influences can skew judgment. Helping students recognize these patterns can build stronger reasoning skills overall.

Pro Tip for Test Administrators: Teach students to identify distractors—answers that look correct at first glance but don’t hold up under closer scrutiny.

 

4. Caution Against Overthinking

Many students fall into the trap of overanalyzing their choices, leading to last-minute answer changes that lower their scores. Decision paralysis can be just as damaging as rushing through a test.

Pro Tip for Test Administrators: Encourage students to pace themselves and trust their knowledge rather than overcomplicating their reasoning.

 

5. Promote Learning from Mistakes

The best test-takers—and decision-makers—learn from their errors. Reviewing past mistakes helps refine strategies for future success, whether in testing, career planning, or even sports predictions.

Pro Tip for Test Administrators: Provide opportunities for students to review their incorrect answers and reflect on what led them astray. This builds long-term decision-making confidence.

 

Final Score: Smarter Test-Takers!

By fostering better decision-making skills, you’re not just helping students improve their test performance—you’re equipping them with critical thinking abilities they can use in every aspect of life.

 

Learn More About Scantron’s Testing Solutions Now!