1.

Memory Data Dump: As soon as you get the test, write down all the information that you might forget. Do this first. Think of facts, figures, ideas and key words. These will provide memory keys for answering similar questions. If you do not do this, you may forget key information you do know halfway through the test because you have become anxious or distracted.

2.

Preview Test: Write your name, read the directions and scan the test. If you don’t understand any of the directions, raise your hand immediately and ask for clarification. Don’t start the test with doubts about the directions. Scan the test to preview the number and type of questions, to understand the scoring system, and to determine where to focus most of your energy. Only spend 2-3 minutes doing this.

3.

Second Memory Data Dump: Scanning the test may have reminded you of other information you don’t want to forget. Write that information down.

4.

Develop a Test Progress Schedule: Make sure you know how much time you are allowed for the test. Develop a progress schedule for taking the test that is based on the difficulty of test questions and the point values of the test questions. Your objective is to earn the most amount of points in the least amount of time. You want to score as many points as quickly as possible, even if this means taking the test out of order. Determine how much of the test you should have completed after a specific number of minutes. Leave 5 minutes for test review. Don’t spend precious time working on problems you won’t get right.

5.

Answer Easy Questions First: Answer the easiest questions first, according to your test schedule. This builds confidence! Work as fast as you can with the greatest accuracy possible. Don’t take too much time on questions you don’t know.

6.

Skip Difficult Questions: Read the question twice. If you don’t know the answer, skip it. Continuing to work on difficult problems leads to frustration and test anxiety. If you attempt this early in the test you may compromise your performance on questions that you do know which you work on later. As test anxiety builds, it decreases your ability to recall information. Circle the questions that you don’t know and return to them after you’ve answered questions you do know. Your subconscious mind will continue to work on those tough questions while you are doing others and the result may be an “AH HA!” experience.

7.

Review Skipped Questions: Several techniques may be used to remember answers to tough questions, or to eliminate alternatives. These are:

8.

Guess at Remaining Questions: Your first guess is your best guess. Whatever answer comes to your mind first, write it down and don’t change it.

9.

Review the Test: This is your chance to catch careless errors, omissions on essay tests and skipped questions on objective tests. If you don’t have time to review the entire test, go over the questions you think you missed. Only change the answer if you could explain to your instructor why you have done so. Don’t change the answer just because you are nervous about your first response or have guessed at it.

10.

Use the Entire Test Time: Using all the time allotted to review helps to avoid careless errors. This is one of the best ways to improve test performance.