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In this chapter we explored a range of ideas for succeeding on your college exams. Revisit the following key points, and reflect on how you can use this information to support your success now and in the future.
Each exam you take is a snapshot of your ability to answer a specific set of questions on a particular day. Performance on any one exam will not make or break your college career.
Key strategies for preparing for tests include building a study schedule, using study strategies, learning the exam format, reviewing previous exams, talking with your instructor about how best to prepare, and sticking to your regular routines to stay healthy.
Moderate worry about a test can improve your performance, but intense test anxiety can lead to lower test scores. Strategies for managing intense test anxiety include breathing exercises and muscle relaxation, preparation, reframing negative thoughts into positive ones, visualizing a relaxing place, scheduling worry time, and using a worry journal. Most campuses have additional resources for managing anxiety.
When exam time arrives, it’s important to first read the instructions and determine the points for each section, and then budget your time. Answering the easier questions and the highest-value questions first is a good strategy.
You can use a wide variety of strategies to take tests with multiple-choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, true/false, and essay questions. You can also use specific strategies to prepare for problem-solving tests in math and science and for tests administered online.
Deciding not to cheat on tests reflects integrity. But you also need to avoid behaviors that give the appearance of cheating, such as looking at your phone while taking a test.
After taking an exam, you can assess the effectiveness of your approach to preparing for and taking the test. Then you can use your evaluation to apply successful strategies to other exams or to improve your approach so that you get better results in the future.
The test-taking skills you develop in college can help you enter and advance in a job or career, by enabling you to answer questions from others in the workplace and to complete licensure or certification exams and continuing education credits.
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