Test Preparation—General Guidelines

Gathering knowledge of the truth is the best preparation for tests.

•  Hours of concentrated, effective study help to carefully place facts into your memory. This is the best way to prepare for any test.
• However, teachers often try to test your memory of the material by slightly altering it. In this case, practice and some test-taking skill will help.

Always arrive early and take a moment to relax and reduce your anxiety. 

• This brief time period will boost your confidence.
• Use this time to focus your mind and think positive thoughts. 

Listen attentively to last-minute instructions given by the instructor.

• Teachers often make-last minute changes.
• Missing instructions can cause anxiety.

Read the test directions very carefully and watch for details. 

• You may find that more than one answer may be possible on multiple choice tests.
• A key detail may require that you choose only three out of the five essay questions.

Plan how you will use the allotted time. 

• Estimate how many minutes you will need to finish each test section.
• Determine a pace which will ensure completing the whole test on time.
• Start with the easiest section to build your confidence.

Maintain a positive attitude. 

• Don't let more difficult questions raise your anxiety and steal your valuable time. Move on and find success with other questions.
• Avoid watching for patterns. Noticing that the last four answers are "c" is not a good reason to continue with that pattern.

Rely on your first impressions. 

• The answer which comes to mind first is often correct.
• Nervously reviewing questions and changing answers can do more harm than good.

Plan to finish early and have time for review. 

• Return to difficult questions you marked for review.
• Proofread your essays and pay attention to grammar and spelling.
• Make sure you answer all the questions. Don’t forget to check for questions on the back side of the paper.

Consider every test a practice session - analyze your performance. 

• Test taking is an art which needs refinement. One cannot refine the art without practice and serious evaluation.
• Go through each test thoroughly and see if your plan worked.
• Identify your fault patterns. Do you need to work on true/false, multiple choice, or essay questions?
• Talk to teachers regarding low scores, especially on essays.