Test taking is a 3-step process: Before-During-After. Each step has several actionable tips associated with it. Regardless whether your exam is in-person or online, the process works the same way.
Step #1: Tips Before Taking an Exam
Preparation is the key to success
- Attend class regularly
- Read text
- Take notes
- Complete assignments on time
- Create and complete study guides, flashcards, charts, pictures, etc.
- Get organized
- Know the topics you will need to know for the exam
- Make a study plan
- Form a study group
- Access tutoring
- Attend faculty’s and/or TA’s office hours
- Test yourself using active recall or practice problems/tests
- Practice smarter not harder
- Study the most difficult material when you are alert
- Manage your review time
- Use test strategies that have worked well for you
- Avoid procrastination/cramming
- Make sure you have what you need for the test
- Get a good night’s sleep
Step #2: Tips During Taking an Exam
Arrive early, get comfortable but alert, and get in the zone
- Read/listen to directions carefully
- Scan the whole test
- Evaluate the importance of each section (points earned)
- Read each question/problem carefully
- Answer questions in a strategic order
- Answer easier, shorter questions first to build momentum
- Skip questions you do not know and circle them so you can go back later
- Watch out for keywords, hedge phrases, or extreme statements
- Pay attention to contextual clues
- Look for answers in other test questions
- Avoid “fact traps”
- In margins, jot down memory aids, key concepts, formulas, etc.
- Pace yourself
- Manage your test anxiety by staying relaxed and confident
- Use relaxation techniques
- Do not allow fear to take over and stay positive
- Go over the test to make sure you answered all the questions and correct any mistakes
Step #3: Tips After Taking an Exam
Self-reflection is the key to improving performance
- Reflect upon your experience taking the exam as well as your performance
- Welcome the feedback
- Go over your test after it is graded
- Identify areas for improvement
- List the strategies that worked well for you
- Seek advice from your faculty and/or TA, and peers
- Put it in perspective, learn from it, and move forward
Learn more about it with the PowerPoint here.