Test Taking Strategies and Techniques

There is no substitute for knowing the material! Prepare yourself thoroughly for your tests. This includes going to class, doing your work and asking for help.

Get ready mentally. Study your notes; hopefully you took good ones Pace yourself; don’t “cram” the night before Avoid talking with friends about the exam right before you take it; last minute reviews are often more confusing than helpful Think positive; if you think you can’t, you won’t Relax

Get ready physically Get a good night’s sleep Eat a good breakfast/lunch Don’t be late

General Test Taking Guidelines DETER D = Directions E = Examine T = Time E = Easiest R = Review

Glance over the entire test and read all the instructions before marking answers. Answer the ones you know first. Then go back and try the ones you did not know immediately.

Sometimes you can get clues to answers from reading other parts of the test. Budget your time; make sure you leave more time to answer essay questions or questions worth more points.

Don’t make wild guesses; your choices should be reasonable based on the following possibilities: Multiple choice tests usually offer four options; you can often rule out two answers immediately and then you are down to a 50/50 chance For matching sections; use the process of elimination as you did in the multiple choice section For essay/short answer questions; organize your thoughts before you begin to write When you are finished, go back and make sure you answered all the questions

Don’t panic; tackle each question one at a time. Trust your first instincts but change an answer if you feel you must.

There is no substitute for knowing the material! Prepare yourself thoroughly for your tests. This includes going to class, doing your work and asking for help.