Test Preparation

General Test Taking Tips
 

	Arrive at the classroom early to get yourself settled.
	Come prepared. Bring everything you need for the test (Calculator, extra pens or pencils).
	Stay RELAXED. Don't let yourself become anxious, take deep breaths to relax. Do a relaxation activity before going to the exam. Avoid people who will generate anxiety.
	Preview the entire test before beginning to answer any questions.
	Manage your time. Make sure you bring a watch with you.
	Answer the questions in a strategic order. Begin with the easiest questions. This will help build your confidence. Next, answer the questions with the highest point value. Allow yourself extra time for these questions. Lastly answer the questions with most difficult, greatest amount of writing, or the least point values.
	Ask the instructor to explain any items that are not clear.
	Spend at least 10% of your time reviewing your answers. Make sure all of the questions are answered. Proofread for grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors. Double check math problems for simple mistakes.

Essay Test Preparation
 

	Review your notes and chapter(s) topics
	Generate a list of the major topics
	Note any relationships between topics. (These may be potential exam questions).
	If you are a visual learner, create a chart to help visualize the relationships.
	Create summary sheets of the relationships for a quick review before the test.
	Jot down some sample questions and outline answers for them.

General Tips for Writing the Essay Answers
 

	Budget your time according to the value of each question.
	Create an outline or just jot down some key words or ideas.
	Get right to the point.
	Make sure the first paragraph provides an overview of the essay.
	Clarify your points throughout the rest of the essay.
	Keep your points and thoughts organized.
	Proof read your essay answers for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors.
	Make sure your answers are complete and clear.

Objective Tests
 

	Review your notes.
	Identify words and terms that are related to specific concepts. Make flash cards to assist you in learning the words and concepts.
	Create diagrams or charts to compare and contrast concepts, theories, ideas or facts from one another.
	Recite or write out complete ideas or facts. You will have an easier time recalling them during the test if you visualize them in a complete and detailed manner when you study.

General Tips for Taking the Test
 

	Read through the directions carefully. Look for specific answering procedures (i.e, answer 3 out of the 4 questions) and the point value of each question.
	Watch the amount of time you spend on questions. Don't spend too much time on one question so you don't have enough to spend on other questions.
	Eliminate the answers you know are wrong. When unsure, eliminate the answers you know are wrong, and then guess if there is no penalty for wrong answers.
	Always read through every word of the question carefully.
	If one of the answers is "all of the above" and you are able to determine there are two correct answers, choose "all of the above."
	First answers are usually correct. Only change your answer if you are sure the new answer is correct
	For True-False tests, names, dates, definitions, and facts may be mismatched.

Problem Solving Tests
 

	Review your notes, including major concepts and formulas.
	Work through a number of previously assigned problems.
	Analyze the problems. What concepts, formulas, and rules are used? What methods are used? What are the beginning steps? Are these problems similar or different from previous problems? Does your solution compare with examples from the book or class? Is there another way to work through these problems?
	Explain your steps in the margin.
	Learn and identify fundamental problem types.
	Create a practice test.

General Tips for Taking the Test

	Jot down the formulas, relationships, definitions, etc. on the back of your test.
	Review the entire test before beginning
	Budget your time wisely
	Answer the easiest problems first
	Proof read your work
	If you are running out of time, set-up all of the problems, even if you can't work though them, partial credit may be awarded.

Take Home Tests
 

	Read through all of your materials (notes and text).
	Organize major concepts, jotting down names, dates, events, and themes.
	Treat the exam like an Essay test. Research your answers. Organize the information and type out the answers.

Reasons to Review a Returned Test
 

	To know what questions you missed and why you missed them. The reason you missed the question is often as important in taking your next test as the answer.
	To study the instructor’s comments especially for essay questions so that you know what is expected next time.
	To look for the kinds of questions the instructor likes to use.
	To determine where the questions came from—the text or the lecture.
	Concentrate on that source more for the next exam.
	To correct and understand what you missed. This is information you need to know because it may appear on a later test or the final.
	Analyze the type of problems you missed so you can review strategies for that type of question.
	To review the information and store it in long-term memory.
	To ask questions about the test while it is still fresh in you memory.
	To look for a better way to study for the next exam.