The article covers what strategies and methods can be used to more effectively take your next exam. We know the stress & slight panic that sets in when you take an exam, but with a good approach that works for you, we have no doubt you’ll increase your grades in no time.
Before we get to the good stuff, we’ll cover the general good exam practice:
Listen attentively to last minute instructions given by the instructor
- It is not uncommon for teachers to alter test details at the last minute.
- If you miss test instructions, test taking anxiety will increase.
- If you miss test instructions, don’t be scared to ask for instructions to be repeated.
Always arrive early and take a moment to relax
- You’ll increase your confidence if you take time to relax.
- You’ll be able to narrow your focus for the upcoming test.
- Arriving early may allow you time to ask any last minute questions from the instructor or listen to explanations being provided to other students. Some study resources suggest that it’s better to arrive on time to avoid “brain pickers”, students who ask questions right before a test, but we disagree. We believe there is more to be gained by arriving a little early.
Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details
- Test questions and directions often contain valuable information. Always read all directions carefully to ensure you understand what is being asked.
- It is not uncommon to have two correct answers on a multiple choice question. Pay attention to details.
- Frequently, test instructions will notify students that they only need to complete two questions, but there will be 5 options.
Maintain a positive attitude
- Do not lose confidence or waste time if you encounter confusing or difficult questions. Answer the questions you know first.
- If you have no clue about the correct answer, make an educated guess if it will not count against your score.
- Disregard patterns. It is probably coincidence if a string of multiple choice answers that you know are correct are “a.”
Plan to finish early and have time for review
- Go back and answer difficult questions after answering easy ones.
- If you are required to complete an essay, review it for spelling and grammatical errors.
- Check to make sure you have completed the entire test. It is not uncommon for questions to be listed on the opposite side of a page.
Rely on your first impressions
The first answer that pops in your mind is usually the correct answer. Don’t change answers unless you’re sure the answer you’ve chosen is wrong.
It may be counterproductive to review answers and make changes – especially if you’re struggling to get through the test.
Strategies to Utilise for an Exam
Strategy 1: Memory Dump
A memory dump can be a particularly useful strategy for improving performance on certain types of tests.
- As soon as you begin the test, write down information that you will likely need to know for the test and you fear you may forget. (i.e., formulas, equations, dates, lists, etc.)
Strategy 2: Plan how you will use the allotted time
- Take a moment to estimate how much time you’ll have for each section of the test and each question. Allow enough time for more difficult sections or sections that are weighted more heavily in the final test grade.
- Pace yourself so you can complete the test in the allotted time frame.
- Complete the questions you know first then come back and tackle the problems you’re not sure about after.
Strategy 3: Look for Cues
- If two answers are similar, they’re usually not the correct answer.
- Pay attention to grammatical matching between the question being asked and answers. If an answer seems right but doesn’t match grammatically with the question, it probably isn’t the correct answer.
- Look for cues from other questions.
Strategy 4: Answer all the questions
- Even if you’re running out of time and can answer all the questions fully, it’s important to answer all questions. Many professors will give partial credit for partially completed questions or if you’re able to show your work. (Note: There are some tests in college where you are docked points for guessing. This is rare and usually will be announced by the professor prior to the test.)
- It is often easier to get 50% of one question you may struggle with rather than spending the time getting 100% on a question you may know well.
Strategy 5: Rely on your first impressions
- The first answer that pops in your mind is usually the correct answer. Don’t change answers unless you’re sure the answer you’ve chosen is wrong.
- It may be counterproductive to review answers and make changes – especially if you’re struggling to get through the test.
After the exam
Consider every test a practice session – analyse your performance
- It takes time and practice to develop effective test taking skills.
- To determine whether your test taking strategies are working, take time to evaluate your performance after each test.
- Be sure to take note of where you’re struggling. Are you struggling with essays or multiple choice questions?
- Arrange to meet with teachers to discuss low test scores to determine what you can do to improve. This is highly recommended if you struggle with essay questions.