Test Taking Strategy

Test Taking Strategies​

Tips for success

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Open Ended

What do you currently do to prepare for a test/exam?

Plan for the Test

• ​Find out about the test by talking to your instructor

• Design an exam plan

• Join or start a study group

• Utilize a tutor from the Tutoring Center on campus

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Daily Prep Work

• ​Practice the study cycle

• Do your assignments regularly

• Attend class each day

• Keep a list of definitions or important materials and put them on flash cards or Quizlet

• Utilize any materials your prof. has shared ​such as unit objectives, study guides, & PowerPoint slides

Prepare for the Test

• Prepare Physically

• Maintain your sleep & exercise routine

• Eat right

• Prepare Mentally

• Know the material

• Practice relaxing

• Use positive self-talk

Exam Day Tips

• ​Write down any formulas or other memory cues on your exam

• ​Read all of the directions

• Preview the whole exam and stay calm

• Make the best use of your time

• Answer the easy questions first

• Try to answer each question, even if its a partial answer

Multiple Choice

Which questions should you answer first when taking a test?

• Easy Questions

• Essay Questions

• Hard Questions

• Fill-in-the-blank questions

Conquer Online Tests

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• Resist the temptation to surf for answers

• Stay focused and budget your time

• Become familiar with the testing interface

Test Anxiety Triggers

• Excessive pressure from yourself & others

• Lack of preparation and procrastination

• Students turning in their exam early

• ​Hearing the clock ticking

Poll

What causes your anxiety/worry?

• Excessive Pressure

• Lack of Preparation

• Seeing others finish their exam

• Distracted by noises

Strategies to Deal

• Take a deep breath

• Choose your seat wisely

• ​Avoid the temptation to look up often. Stay focused on the exam in front of you.

• Create positive mental messages

• ​Drown out sound with ear plugs

• Avoid extra amounts of caffeine​

• Talk with someone at the Counseling Center

Multiple Choice

What should you do if you feel yourself starting to panic while taking a test?

• Continue answering questions as if nothing is wrong.

• Stop, take a breath, and tell yourself you will be okay.

• Go back to the beginning of the test and start over.

• Turn your test over and ask to be excused.

Open Ended

What's one thing you will implement next time you take an exam?