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!