Use Good Study Techniques

  • Divide your time into small blacks 
  • Focus on one subject at a time
  • Keep an idea sheet for random thoughts that pop into your head
  • Use 3x5 cards for memorization
  • Review, Review, Review some more!
  • Take breaks and reward yourself

Practice Stress Management Techniques

  • Get sufficient rest and eat properly to avoid stress build-up
  • Exercise to burn off stress
  • Practice physical and mental relaxation
  • Use your planned breaks

Develop a Positive Attitude

  • Believe in your ability
  • Don't compare yourself to others
  • Don't focus on past mistakes
  • Do the very best work that you can
  • Strive to be realistic in your thinking - one test is not your whole life!

 

Arrive on Time

  • If you are early, do not talk about the test with other students. They may have studied in a manner that is different than your style. Also, the concerns of others tend to increase any worries you may have.
  • If you arrive late, you may miss important verbal instructions. Arriving late can also make you feel rushed and tense.

Feeling Nervous?

  • Take a moment to focus on your breathing and try to relax.  Stay positive and push negative thoughts from your mind.
  • Repeat these steps if you find yourself getting frustrated or over-anxious at any point during the exam.

Preview the Test

  • Read all of the instructions and each question carefully. Note the total number of problems and kinds of questions asked.
  • How many points are each type of problem worth?
  • Based on this information, how much time should you spend on each question?

Multiple Choice Quesitons

  • Be sure to read through all the available answers before marking your choice, even if you think you know the right answer. 
  • Eliminate all the answers that you know are wrong to narrow down your possible choices. 

Difficult Questions

  • Reread difficult questions and circle or underline any important words or phrases that stand out.
  • Don't spend too much time on difficult questions, skip it and go back to it later. There may be questions in another section of the test that could provide more clues or jog your memory. 

Review the questions and your answers

  • Use any leftover time to review all of your answers.  Check for careless mistakes or anything you might have skipped.
  • Reread questions and instructions to ensure you haven't misunderstood or misread anything. 

Looking for more tips on testing strategies?

Student Wellbeing offers a wide variety of support groups, including Worriers to Warriors: Conquering Test Anxiety. 

 

Also, check out the services offered by the Student Success Center.  The Student Success Coaches can provide you with the tools to thrive no matter what challenges you might face. They are trained to help you with goal setting, time management, organization, study skills, and more.