Tips for Test Taking

Preparation Take good notes in class lectures and review them soon after class. Review notes briefly before each class. Organize notes, texts, assignments, quizzes and previous tests to study.

Organize your notes, texts, quizzes, assignments and previous tests. (Review your previous tests. The more tests you take, the better you will develop your test taking strategies.) Estimate how much time you will need to study for the test. Use a checklist. Make a schedule and set aside blocks of time to study. Use your agenda.

Reduce Anxiety Get a good night’s sleep. Eat a healthy breakfast. ( Avoid high sugar content.) Approach exam with confidence. Be prepared! Try to stay relaxed and visualize success. Keep a good attitude and stay alert. This is your opportunity to show what you know!

Test Taking It may seem obvious, but read directions carefully. This helps avoid careless errors. Answer questions in a strategic order. Easy questions first to build confidence and score points. Then answer difficult questions or those with more point value. Eliminate answers you know to be wrong.

Review your test Review your test to make sure you have answered all questions. Proofread spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc. Check for simple mistakes. Resist the urge to hand in your test when other students do. There is no prize for handing in your test first!

After the test Review how well you performed. Make a list of what worked for you and keep those strategies and study habits. These are building blocks for success. Acknowledge what you have done and that you are doing your best. Celebrate your success!