EXAM STRATEGIES

Study Skills Attend academic support activities Review session, help sessions, etc. Soothing music in the background Scented floral candles or potpourri facilitate learning Avoid soft chair or bed Tutoring help is available Get it early

Tests are Important Usually only 3 – 4 per course May determine 75 – 100% of your grade Check your syllabus Make a study plan Five days for a major test

Test Preparation Learn the exam format: e.g. facts vs. concepts Review course outline, notes and Quick Study chart Review previous tests; check at departmental office Summarize highlights on single sheet

Memory Dump At the beginning of the test write down on scrap paper everything you remember - formulas, facts, names, etc. scan the test questions do second memory dump and begin the test

Before You Start Scan the exam to determine types of questions asked Always read & follow directions! Determine the exam's scoring rules and use them If wrong answers are penalized, don't guess unless you can reduce the choices to two

Answer easy questions first Mark difficult questions and return to them later

True - False Questions: Look for key words If any clause is false, the statement is false

Multiple Choice Questions Essentially T-F questions arranged in groups Only one answer is totally true Eliminate obvious false answers Look for the answer that most fully answers the question

Essay Exams Plan your time Read the exam through first Be sure to number your answers the same as the exam numbers Follow directions carefully Pay attention to key words Answer directly and concisely

More on Essay Exams Outlining Choose the questions you know most about Some instructors will give a list of choices days before the test Opening statement summarizes what you will say The rest supports your opening statement Write neatly or print Use correct spelling and grammar