Test-taking Strategies

Nothing can take the place of studying, but there are some strategies you can use to be a better test taker:

 

#1 - Watch your time!   It is surprising how many people just start the test and don't plan or monitor their time!  It is obvious - if you have an hour and four essay questions, each should take about 15 minutes.   If some classrooms don't have a clock and you don't usually wear a watch, invest in an inexpensive one to wear just for exams.

 #2 - Look over the whole test before you start.  This will help with #1 and get you mind active.

 #3 - Don't worry if people are done before you.  My experience has been that those done early often do not do as well as those who use all of the time available.

 #4 - Splash-down.  If there is particular information you are having trouble remembering, jot it in the margin of the exam as soon as you get it.  Then you can quit thinking about it and focus on the questions.

 #5 - Do the ones you know first.  This will help you access that knowledge in your memory and start to bring it to the front.

 

Here are some ideas for specific types of exams:
Multiple Choice -

• Use process of elimination to reduce your number of choices.
• Read the question carefully.  Be sure you are answering the question asked. 
• If you are unsure of an answer, see if a later prompt or answers might give you a clue to the earlier question.
• If it is a paper and pencil scantron, be sure you are on the correct number.
• Watch out for words like NOT and EXCEPT.  Read those questions carefully.

 True/False -

• If you are not sure, most statements with ultimate words like "always" or "never" are false and middle-of-the-road words like "often" and "usually" are true.

 Essay -

• If there are multiple parts to the question, answer each in turn.  Do not try to write a global answer unless you are very proficient in the subject.
• Take a minute to sketch out a brief outline.  This will prevent you from writing yourself into a corner and not answering the question.
• Think of the reader (in this case your professor).   Write so they can clearly follow your thoughts.  Don't worry that he or she knows all of the information.  You job is to demonstrate how well you know it!

 

Most colleges and universities are approaching finals week.  The next post will address surviving the week with minimal stress.  (Of course the best plan is to study ahead!)
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First Semester Success: Learning Strategies and Motivation for Your First Semester (or Any Semester) of College, by Dr. Arden B. Hamer, is available at amazon.com, wordassociation.com and barnesandnoble.com. Click on the upper right link.