TIPS FOR TEST TAKING

Throughout your college career, you will take tests in many different formats, in many subject areas, and with many different types of questions. It may surprise you to find that your first-year tests are likely to be more challenging than those in later years because, as a new student, you are still developing your college test-taking skills. The following test-taking tips apply to any test situation.

  1. Write your name on the test. Usually you will have to write your name on a test booklet or answer sheet. Some instructors, however, may require you to fill in your student ID number.
  2. Look over the whole test and stay calm. Carefully read all the directions before beginning the test so that you understand what to do. Ask the instructor or exam monitor for clarification if you don’t understand something. Be confident. Don’t panic. Answer one question at a time.
  3. Make the best use of your time. Quickly review the entire test and decide how much time you will spend on each section. Be aware of the point values of different sections of the test. If some questions are worth more points than others, you need to spend more of your time answering them.
  4. Jot down idea starters before the test. Check with your instructor ahead of time to be sure that it is OK to write some last-minute notes on the test or on scrap paper. If so, then before you even look at the test questions, turn the test paper over and take a moment to write down the formulas, definitions, or major ideas you have been studying. This will help you go into the test with confidence and knowledge, and your notes will provide quick access to the information you may need throughout the test.
  5. Answer the easy questions first. Expect that you won’t completely understand some questions. Make a note to come back to them later. If different sections have different types of questions (such as multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions), first finish the types of questions that are easiest for you to answer. Be sure to leave enough time for any essays.
  6. If you feel yourself starting to panic or go blank, stop whatever you are doing. Take a deep breath, and remind yourself that you will be OK and you do know the material and can do well on this test. If necessary, go to another section of the test and come back later to the item that triggered your anxiety.
  7. Try to answer each question, even if you can only provide a partial answer. You may not be able to answer all the questions fully; provide as much information as you can remember. Particularly for math and science test questions, you may get some credit for writing down equations and descriptions of how to solve the problems even if you cannot fully work them out or if you run out of time before you finish them.
  8. If you finish early, don’t leave immediately. Stay and check your work for errors. Reread the directions one last time.