1. Test-Taking

2. Before the Test The night before: The morning of the test:
Get a good night’s sleep (six to eight hours for most people).
Determine when you’d like to go to bed, and add that to your study plan.
The morning of the test:
Be careful not to cram too much.
Give yourself time to get ready.
Dress in something comfortable.
Practice deep breathing or listen to music to relax.

3. Quick Tip Feed Your Mind
Take time to eat something substantial that will help you maintain your energy and focus. Tests can be quite taxing on your brain, so you need fuel to keep yourself going. And bring a snack and a drink to the test in case you need a boost in the middle of the exam.

4. Before the Test (continued)
Right before the test:
Be sure to get to the test site with time to spare.
Find a seat that feels comfortable.
Use the additional time to look over any final materials or your study notes.
Begin focusing on the task ahead.

5. During the Test Look over the exam.
Check the number of questions and the amount of time you have to complete it.
Determine how much you need to complete by the halfway mark of the time allotted.
Be sure you understand the directions.
If you have any questions, ask them early in the test.

6. Quick Tip Warm Up Before Tests
Before starting to answer questions, some students like to quickly skim the entire test. This technique can help get your brain going as it begins processing the answers to the questions. But be careful. Some students end up feeling more overwhelmed and anxious if they read through the test, especially if many of the questions are particularly challenging. Do what’s right for you.

7. During the Test (continued)
Keep track of time.
Keep moving.
If you get stuck on a question, circle it and move on to the next one (but remember to go back to any questions you skipped).
Assess your progress.
When your time is halfway up, assess where you are.
Be concise.
When time is short, you may need to write in shorthand or use bullet points.
Write as much as time allows.

8. During the Test (continued)
Focus on you (not on your classmates)!
Don’t compare yourself to those around you during the test.
Check the time, not your peers, to help you move through the test.
Don’t let your eyes wander—ever.
Be careful not to show any signs of cheating.
If you feel tempted to cheat, ask yourself why.
No matter what your reasons may be, cheating is dishonest and could severely impact your future and your relationships.

9. Taking the Test

10. Quick Tip Check Your Work
If you have time left, go back and look at your answers. Never leave an exam early. Instead, check your answers to be sure you feel confident in them. Add more detail if you can. Sometimes you’ll remember something as you’re going along and can add information or examples to earlier questions. Be the last one sitting in the exam and not the first one to leave. Checking your work always pays off.

11. 5 Things to Do When You Get Your Test Back
Check over all your answers to see what you got wrong.
Go back to the class material and figure out the correct answers.
Ask your instructor for clarification if you don’t know why your answers were marked wrong.
If you’re going to be tested again on the same material you missed, be sure you fully understand it for the next time.
If you didn’t perform as well as you’d like, talk with your instructor about class-specific test preparation tips before the next exam.

12. Managing Test Anxiety Practice, practice, practice.
The more you practice and put yourself in testing situations, the easier test-taking becomes.
Reduce your stress.
Arrive early to find a comfortable seat.
Wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable.
Eat something nutritious that will maintain your energy during the test.
Avoid classmates who are anxious or overly negative.

13. Managing Test Anxiety (continued)
If you blank:
Try not to panic.
Take steps to calm yourself and alter your state of mind.
Slowly reread the question or problem and write whatever comes into your head, then go back and work through as much of the problem as you can.
If you still can’t answer the question, skip it.

15. Managing Test Anxiety (continued)
When to get help:
Seek out help whenever you experience severe test anxiety.
Go to your advisor, instructor, teaching assistant, mentor, or someone at the Academic Advising Office and explain what happens to you when you take a test.
The more you try to hide your anxiety, the worse it will get.