Wiingy Future STEM Leaders Scholarship

Carson Cox

Riverton Parke High School | Indiana, USA

Prep for standardized testing is not necessarily an easy task. It’s not like taking a test in the classroom where you have a time frame and a study guide of the specific items that an instructor will be including on a test. Standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT test a lot of general knowledge, so you have to be selective in how you approach them. A lot of my prepping comes from my work in the classroom. I have maxed out on my math options at my high school as I am currently in Calculus II. So I have taken a math class every year while I am in high school, and because I plan to study engineering I have chosen to take the most challenging math courses even though there were some easier options that I could have considered. When it comes to standardized tests, my accelerated math track has had its pros and its cons. I have adequately developed my math skills, but since SAT and ACT really mostly test your algebra and geometry knowledge, the farther you get from having had actual seat time in those classes (which for me was my 7th and 8th grade years), the less precise those concepts are in your memory. So prior to taking standardized tests, I have to refresh my memory of those basic math skills. I do that by using the hard copy study guides put out by those entities, as well as their online study guides. Our high school created a “study hall” that is essentially used as standardized test prep. The teacher of the class has us sync our PSAT scores with the Khan Academy on College Board, and we utilize the unique online study guides that are produced as a result of that. My school also has the Plato system that students can have a free account created for them and it has online study practice for these tests as well. In addition, I am a Math Academic Bowl team competitor, so through that process, I’m continually working with my team to prepare for those competitions and that keeps my mind sharp. I definitely encourage students to take the SAT and/or the ACT as close to the time that they are taking or finishing up their Alg. and Geometry classes. If you wait too long, those skills may diminish making it harder to earn a high score on those tests. My scores were pretty decent because I am a strong math student. I however didn’t take my first SAT until it was part of the school day test my junior year. Because that was a whole 2 or 3 years after I had actually taken my Alg. and Geometry classes, I feel I could have potentially scored higher if I had taken that either as a freshman or sophomore.

Liliana Chow

Queen's University | Ontario, Canada

It's early morning, and the sun is just beginning to peek through the curtains of my study room. As a second-year chemistry student, today is the day I've been preparing for – the day of the standardized exam that will test my knowledge and understanding of the subject. But before I dive into the exam room, I take a moment to reflect on my approach to acing standardized exams. Preparation is key, I remind myself as I reach for my study materials. I start by meticulously reviewing the exam format and content specifications. Understanding the structure of the exam – from multiple-choice questions to essay prompts – allows me to tailor my study plan to match. Armed with this knowledge, I dive into the syllabus and course materials, leaving no stone unturned as I seek to grasp every concept and equation. But studying isn't just about memorizing facts and formulas; it's about engaging with the material in a way that sparks creativity and critical thinking. So, I roll up my sleeves and get creative. I sketch out colorful concept maps, connecting the dots between different topics and themes. I devise catchy mnemonic devices to help me remember complex chemical reactions and molecular structures. And I challenge myself to solve intricate practice problems, pushing the boundaries of my understanding and problem-solving skills. As the days turn into weeks, I find myself settling into a rhythm of study and review. But amidst the hustle and bustle of academic life, I make sure to carve out time for self-care. I lace up my sneakers and go for a jog in the crisp morning air, allowing the rhythmic pounding of my feet to clear my mind and rejuvenate my spirit. I meditate in the serene stillness of the evening, finding solace in the gentle hum of my surroundings. And I surround myself with friends and loved ones, drawing strength from their unwavering support and encouragement. Finally, the day of the exam arrives, and I step into the exam room with a sense of calm determination. As I flip open the exam booklet, I remind myself to approach each question with care and precision. I read each prompt attentively, scanning for keywords and clues that will guide me towards the correct answer. I tackle the easy questions first, breezing through them with confidence and ease. And when I encounter a particularly challenging question, I resist the urge to panic. Instead, I take a deep breath, skip it for the time being, and move on to the next one. As the minutes tick by, I feel a sense of exhilaration wash over me. This is it – the culmination of weeks of hard work and dedication. And when the final bell rings, signaling the end of the exam, I exhale a sigh of relief. I may not know my exact score just yet, but one thing is for certain: I've given it my all, and that's something to be proud of. In the end, acing standardized exams isn't just about regurgitating information or mastering test-taking tricks. It's about embracing the journey of learning and discovery, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible, and ultimately, emerging stronger and more resilient than before. And as I step out into the bright sunlight, I know that whatever the outcome may be, I'm ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.