Test Taking Strategies

Arrive early

Give yourself enough time to feel comfortable, compose your thoughts, and focus your concentration.

Listen to your professor's instructions

Sometimes teachers announce changes to tests and emphasize important directions before exams begin.

Look over the test and read directions carefully

Get an overall sense for the type of test and questions asked. Answer questions as instructed or you may risk losing points.

Write down facts and formulas in the margin

This is to ensure that you won't forget key information if you get nervous or your mind goes blank.

Budget your time

Determine the amount of time that you have to take the exam along with the value and difficulty of each section. Use your time accordingly. If you don't complete a question in the time you allotted for yourself, move on and come back to it if you have extra time before the end of the exam period.

Look for qualifying words

Words such as "always," "never," "rarely," "often," etc. can determine the correct answers to questions.

Complete objective questions before essay questions

Answering true-false, multiple choice, and short answer questions may provide you with information useful in writing an essay.

Questions? Contact us at 467-3900 for more information about these and other test-taking strategies.