Test-Taking Tips Tests are the bane of every student’s existence. However, they are impossible to avoid. They are simply part of the system and they are here to stay. Each teacher is different in the way they write and administer tests. Some chose multiple choice, others free response. Sometimes there is only one test per course, and sometimes there are four or five. Some teachers allow open notes and others will shoot you if you look the wrong way. No matter the teacher or the test, here are a few simple, yet essential tips for preparing for and taking tests that should ease the pain, lesson the burden, and raise the grade!
Preparing for the Test Tip One: Start preparing from day one. From the very first day of class, start paying attention. You never know what will pop up on tests, so start taking notes from day one. Keep up on homework. Actually do your homework. Homework helps you prepare for tests. They hint at the teacher’s style of thinking, questioning, and tell you what the teacher thinks is important. Tip Two: Hand in hand with step one is step two – taking notes. Take good notes! You may think you have perfect memory or that you would never forget that simple fact, but let’s face it. You always forget. Or get confused. Or mix things up. Just write down the things you learn. Writing not only keeps information “in storage” for you, but the act of writing helps your brain with memory retention. So write, write, write! And make sure you will understand it later. Don’t write in abbreviations or code if you can help it. (Because you will probably forget your clever cypher later on.)
Studying and Reviewing Tip Three: Always review. It’s never too early to start studying for a test. Even if you just casually look over your notes every once in a while, the repetition will help you remember and actually learn! If your instructor offers a study guide or sample questions, take advantage of them. Let them guide your studies, but don’t rule out everything else. You never know what kind of information may slip into the test. Tip Four: Study together. Get together with some classmates and compare notes, quiz each other, make up review games, and learn from each other. You will all probably go in with slightly different understandings of the material, but come out with a well-rounded, complete understanding of all the material. Even for students participating in online education, you can meet other students in
person or online to study together. Tip Five: Be confident. If you followed the first four tips, you will have been well prepared. Trust your gut and try not to over think questions. Don’t last minute cram, don’t panic, just breathe and charge in with confidence. If a question stumps you, don’t let it bother you. It’s just one question. You will do fine! If you are getting an online degree or a traditional degree, these tips will help you prepare for any test you face!