How to Prepare For and Take Examinations

The secret to good test-taking is relaxation, preparation and confidence

Before exam day

• The best preparation is not to fall behind in coursework.
• Ask the teacher what is important and for suggestions on what to study.
• After reviewing the material, organize and summarize.
• Don't fill up with information; boil information down.
• Study or talk with classmates to determine what's important, quiz each other.
• Create a practice test. Try to anticipate questions. Answer with a closed book.
• Get a good night's sleep two nights before the test, as well as the night before.
• Don't distract yourself the night before. Keep the material fresh.
• Use your summaries to build confidence.

On exam day

• Eat a light high-protein meal, not carbohydrates (they can make you sleepy).
• Bring all supplies: pencil, scratch paper, summary notes and calculator.
• Be early to the test; don't chat with others; relax with a few deep breaths.

Before starting the examination

• If bulging with information, write out a few key ideas before starting the test. (Use the back of the test or scratch paper.)
• Glance through the test briefly and budget time according to points.
• Read the directions word for word!

Essay questions

• For each question, spend 5-10% of the budgeted time organizing your ideas before writing. Put this on the test paper or on scratch paper. Label it. Use a hierarchical approach. What is most important, etc.
• Make your first sentence answer the question, then expand your argument.
• If you get stuck, go on to another question. Show what you know.

Multiple-choice questions

• Skim the question first, then read the question carefully.
• Consider the answers from the last to first (from answer E to answer A).
• Mark each answer you consider with either an X, a circle or a question mark.
• If you're not sure and if there is no penalty for guessing, mark your guess, add a big question mark, and go on. Come back later if time permits.
• Do the easy questions first. Show what you know.

Word problems

• Do the easy problems first. Read each problem carefully.
• Use your problem-solving strategy.
• Set-up the problem. Circle it three times. Use scratch paper.
• Explore your hierarchical knowledge base for basic principles, formulas and definitions. If in doubt, simplify the problem or try simple numbers.
• Work the problem. Use algebra first, then numbers.
• Verify the solution.
• If in doubt, go on. Do not linger if you get stuck. Show what you know.
• Stay confident If you begin to feel anxious, stop for a moment and take a deep breath. Write out something you know on scratch paper (something related to the problem).

From How to Be a Successful Student, Donald Martin, c 1988.