LEARN GOOD TEST-TAKING SKILLS

FOR SHORT-ANSWER EXAMS:

BUDGET YOUR TIME
Estimate how much time you have to answer each question.  If some questions are worth more points than others, plan to spend more time answering them.


DO EASIEST QUESTIONS FIRST
Don't dwell on any particular question.  You may come up with the answer as you work on a different question.


LOOK FOR CLUES IN THE QUESTION
Words such as "define" or "describe" can point you in the right direction.


ANSWER EACH QUESTION
Write what you do know even if you don't know the complete answer.  (Writing may spark your memory.)


USE THE FULL TIME ALLOWED
Never leave early.  Review your answers, make corrections, add more information, etc.



FOR ESSAY EXAMS

READ ALL QUESTIONS FIRST
Underline key words, such as "summarize,"  "evaluate" and "compare."  Then jot down  your initial thoughts.


START WITH THE EASIEST QUESTION
This can help you build confidence.  Then try to do questions that are worth more points.


ORGANIZE YOUR IDEAS
Start with an outline to organize your thoughts.  Answers should be logical and clear, but they don't have to be literary masterpieces!  Use short, simple sentences to make your points.  Rely on facts, figures and logic, rather than how you feel about a subject.


PROOFREAD AT THE END
When you're finished, go back and add more details, illustrations, etc.  Check for misspelled or missing words, wrong dates, etc.  Correct any errors.  Make changes as neatly as possible.


OBJECTIVE EXAMS
(multiple choice, matching, etc.)

SOLVE IN THE ORDER GIVEN
Answers to previous questions may help you to answer questions later in the exam.  But, don't get hung up on the tough questions.  If possible, leave them and move on.  (Circle the ones you skip.)  Return if time permits.


READ EACH CHOICE CAREFULLY
Beware of words like "often," sometimes," and "always."  Select the answer that's most correct.  (Even wrong answers may be partially true.)


THINK AS YOU READ
multiple choice questions can be tricky.  Be sure you understand what's being asked.


FINISH THE EXAM
If you are able to go back to any questions you skipped, and use all the time allowed.  Narrow down the choices as best you can, then make an educated guess.



PROBLEM-SOLVING TESTS

These tests involve using formulas and making calculations.  Before the test, study major concepts and review formulas.  Solve a lot of practice problems.

During the test, identify the givens and unknowns.  Write down the formula used in all your calculations.



STANDARDIZED TESTS
These may be given by computer or with pencil and paper

GET A GUIDE
Study aids are available for most standardized tests.  To help reduce anxiety, begin to prepare well before the test date.  Answer the sample questions.  Identify your weakness, and work to improve those areas. (Take a preparation course, too, if one is available.)


BE REALISTIC
There will be questions you can't answer.  Don't worry about them.  Circle them, and return if you have time.  (Note that tests given on computer may not permit you to skip questions and return later.)


MAKE AN EDUCATED GUESS
In some tests, a fraction of a point is deducted for each wrong answer--but it still pays to guess when you can eliminate one or more of the choices.
     * Eliminate the choices you know are wrong.

     * Look for clues in the remaining choices (agreement between question and answer in logic, number, gender, person).



EFFECTIVE STUDYING GIVES YOU CONFIDENCE

* Study where you can concentrate without interruption--no TV, phone or friends.  Study in the same place each day.

*  Sit at a well-lit desk or table.  (Stay away from easy chairs!)

* Don't study when you're overtired.  Take a nap, and come back refreshed.


MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR NOTES

* Take notes efficiently--in a notebook.

* Spend a couple of minutes reading your notes right after class.

* Set aside some time each week to review your notes.


DEVELOP A SCHEDULE

* Mark deadlines and exam dates for the semester on a calendar.

* Schedule several short review sessions rather than one or two longer ones.

* Be realistic about how much material you can cover in one session.

* Schedule some free time, too!



YOU CAN LEARN TO CONTROL YOUR ANXIETY!

THINK POSITIVELY
For any emotional frightening thought, come up with a calming response.  For instance, replace "I could never study enough for this test" with "I have a lot to study, but if I stick to my schedule and concentrate, I can do it."

USE YOUR IMAGINATION IN A POSITIVE WAY
When you let your imagination go overboard, anxiety is sure to follow.  Learn to imagine yourself remaining calm and in control.  Cast yourself in the role of a winner--not a loser! 
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