Test Taking Strategies
Topics• Pre-test• During the test• Finishing the test
Pre-test• Attendance• Review• Studying• Tips & Tricks
Attendance• Attendance is usually directly
correlated to how well a student will do on an exam.
• Continue to attend all your classes. This is a perfect opportunity to ask questions and receive exam
outlines.• There may even be sample
questions presented.
Review• Studies suggest 10 minutes of review
for every 1 hour of new material.• Review previously learned material.• Taking a few extra minutes for review
will make a huge difference in what you’re able to remember later.
• Reviewing does not mean more
work – it should be a process that
will equal better comprehension, better retention and better
grades.
Studying• Getting started on studying is usually
the hardest part. • Choose something simple or a
subject you like and just get started!• Make a realistic plan. What do you
want to get done? What order will you do it in?
• Find a good place to study that
works best for you. (i.e. Music)• The more senses you use and
involve (visual, auditory,
kinesthetic) while studying,
the more you remember.
Studying• 10 min. break / 50 min. of work.• Change subjects/tasks every hour.• Organize & prioritize study materials.• Set academic goals.• Plan most difficult studying during
productive hours.• Sleep, eat, exercise!• Be confident.• Reward yourself!
Tips & Tricks• Write a summary of course material
learned.• Use flashcards to record names,
dates, formulas and/or facts. Review the card on test day!
• Use acronyms to help you
memorize (HOMES).• Use the first letter of words you
need to remember to make up a
crazy sentence. (My very elegant mother just served us nine
pizzas)
During the Test• Pace
- review entire test first.
- value or weight of each section.
- judge how much time to spend – pace yourself through it.
• Read the directions!• Don’t know an answer
- skip it & put a mark in the
margin.
- go on with the rest of the test. • Reading
- Underline key words.
During the Test • Write anything that you want to
remember at the top of your test.• Use logic!• Try to answer a question in your head
before looking at the answers.• Eliminate obviously incorrect
answers. • Make an educated guess. • Leaving a question blank
guarantees an incorrect answer.
Finishing the Test • If there is any time remaining, check
over your work.• Go back to questions you marked.• Erase unwanted answers clearly.• Essays need an introduction, the
main body and a conclusion.• Check grammar and spelling.• Make sure work is neat and
legible.
Exam Do’s And Don’tsDO
• Check the exam schedule – date, time, location.
• Bring picture ID to the exam.• Bring pencils, pens and an eraser.• Bring a calculator.• Bring a clear, unopened bottle of
water.• Arrive on time (9:00 a.m. or 1 p.m.)
Exam Do’s And Don’tsDON’TS
Don’t bring anything else!
Celebrate!