Exam Preparation Skills

Overview Before the Exam During the Exam After the Exam

Before The Exam

When You’re In Class… -Pay Attention -Take Good Notes -Ask Questions

When You’re Outside Class… -Complete Homework Assignments -Study -Prepare a Review Sheet (Put the main ideas/information/formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times, this makes it easier to retain the key concepts that will be on the test)

EXAM TIME Ask Yourself These Questions: Which exam is soonest? Which course are you the weakest in? Which exam is worth more of your grade? Which type of test are you best in?

STRESS & TIME MANAGEMENT STRESS MANAGEMENT Eat, Pray, Exercise, Rest, Free Time TIME MANAGEMENT Study ahead of time Break study time into parts Study in 20 minute intervals

Test Anxiety

Space out your studying over a few days or weeks. Try to maintain a positive attitude. Exercise a few days before the test, It helps reduce stress Get a good night's sleep before the test. Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late. Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test. Relax! if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work. If you're still experiencing extreme test anxiety after following these tips, schedule an appointment with the Counselor.

FOOD TO AVOID

BRAIN FOOD

RIGHT BEFORE THE EXAM Layout your materials the night before. Bring at least two pens/pencils with good erasers, a watch, a calculator with enough batteries & any other resources that your instructor allows you to. SLEEP Do NOT pull an all-nighter SET ALARM & Have a backup alarm set as well EAT a healthy breakfast before the Exam. BATHROOM before walking into the exam room. You don't want to waste anytime worrying about your bodily needs during the test SHOW-UP at least 5 minutes before the exam starts

During The Exam

During the exam Relax! If you start to feel nervous take a few deep breaths to relax. Budget Time When you receive your test, do a quick survey of the entire test so that you know how to efficiently budget your time. Don’t Rush! Use your watch to Pace yourself. Keep your eyes on your own paper You don't want to appear to be cheating.

During the Exam Read the entire question and pay attention to the details. Ask the instructor for clarification if you don't understand the question. Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you won't worry about forgetting them. Do the easiest problems with most point value first. If you don't know an answer, skip it. Go on with the rest of the test and come back to it later. Write legibly. If the grader can't read what you wrote, they'll most likely mark it wrong. If you have time left when you are finished, look over your test. Make sure that you have answered all the questions.

After The Exam

When You Get Your Test Back… Look it over and make sure that there are no grading mistakes. Make sure that you understand your mistakes. If the teacher reviews the test in class, be sure to take notes on what the teacher wanted for an answer. If you aren't satisfied with your grade, go to your teacher and see if there's a make-up exam or any extra credit you can do. Save the test as study material for future tests.

Reward yourself! Take a night off with a good movie or dinner out with friends, regardless of how well you think you did. At this point, you can’t change your test performance so you need to move forward, not punish yourself, and engage in positive activities.

Remember… Prepare for exams well in advance Prioritize what to focus studying on Study short and often Take study breaks Eat well, exercise, sleep Relax