TSA prep - How to deal with problem solving?

So far I'm averaging between 64-66 on each paper, I'm getting really well on critical thinking but not doing so well on Problem solving. Please give me some tips to help me improve my problem-solving. For example I got 4 critical thinking and 9 problem solving questions wrong on the 2017 paper.

Reply 1

marcus.0

Problem solving is, as you would expect, testing you on your ability to break big problems down into more digestible steps to work your way towards the answer. They may do this by trying to overwhelm you with information (e.g. when they give you an entire dataset), give you questions which look like they require too much mental maths, or questions which require you to visualise shapes. For questions like these, try and rule out things if you can, then try and see what steps you can take to slowly get there. I would recommend watching some videos on TSA questions and seeing what exactly people do to work towards an answer.

Reply 2

holy_moly

bit of a silly tip, but i find that sometimes ignoring what method your own mind tells you to do and plugging in the 4 or 5 answer options to see if they fit correctly works as a last resort option for me when i'm stuck and/or running out of time. and when you're at home, sometimes saying out loud what steps you're using to solve the problem makes it clearer for you and you can avoid silly mistakes. like "okay, so the lcm of these is gonna be... yup. now i check against each option..." and just narrating it to yourself. that way you sometimes notice repetition in the method for a question and can recognise easier when it's going to be similar to another question you've done before. that stuff helps in the long run, i think, because then problem solving might start to feel more familiar and less scary, perhaps? i don't know if these'll work for you but it can't hurt to try them out next time you do a mock. i hate problem solving too tbh.

but these are just some things that work for me when i do prep. i'm sitting mine this year too so i don't know if i'm in much of a position to give advice haha. let me know if you ever want to chat about the tsa though, or go through a question. it'd be good practice for both of us. what course are you applying for if you don't mind me asking? wishing you the best of luck on your test x

Reply 3

PapiChamp

Well thanks for the advice, I'll definitely use your tip about going throuch each option. I am applying for E&M Oxford at Trinity college btw wbu?

Reply 4

holy_moly

Original post

by PapiChamp

Well thanks for the advice, I'll definitely use your tip about going throuch each option. I am applying for E&M Oxford at Trinity college btw wbu?

ooh i applied for ppe at teddy hall, but it was a hard decision between there and trinity. i really liked trinity on open day. when’s your tsa?

Reply 5

PapiChamp

My TSA in on the 23rd it's so close I am praying that I get at least high 60's. I choose Trinity because it has good links to my area. When is yours?

(edited 3 weeks ago)

Reply 6

holy_moly

mine's on the 27th i'm so scared haha. for yours, i hope you get even better than that ml x

Reply 7

PapiChamp

I literally just did the 2019 paper yesterday and got 76.1 but it took me an extra 20 minutes.

Reply 8

pooravghai

Original post

by PapiChamp

I literally just did the 2019 paper yesterday and got 76.1 but it took me an extra 20 minutes.

do not give yourself extra time. It is more than likely that you struggle with timing a bit more on the day than you usually do while practicing at home.

Quick Reply

Latest

Trending

Articles for you

A guide to the Oxbridge application process

Which university admissions tests do you need to take?

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.

Try out the app

Continue on web

TSA prep - How to deal with problem solving?

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Articles for you

How The Student Room is moderated