A. Preparation

Start Now! – Start planning two weeks before the exam.

Find out about the tests! – ask your teachers about their tests. What type of test will it be? What chapters will it cover? Will certain topics be stressed more than others? Take very good notes during the final two weeks as teachers are likely to tell you about the exam.

Gather Materials! - Organize your notebook. Gather tests, quizzes, and handouts. Put things together by chapter or topic.

Make a Plan! – To avoid procrastination and the feeling of having too much to study, break up your studying into daily segments – starting early. If a test covers 10 chapters then review one a day for ten days. You will be much more successful than if you do 10 chapters the night before!

Study well! – Don’t just study more – study better! Find a system that works for you. Consider the following: Reduce distractions, get comfortable (but not too comfortable), develop a pattern for studying (skim chapter in text, then review notes, then review quiz/test on chapter). Also check out McG’s Study Tips under “Calendar & Forms”.

Don’t CRAM! – Cramming for a test may do more harm than good. You may fill your head with vocabulary you don’t recognize, or you may become overwhelmed by the amount of information you’re trying to learn. Either way, you may start the test in a bad mental state.

B. Physical/Psychological Issues

Rest – If you have followed a good study schedule in the weeks prior to the exam, then the night before a test should be time to rest. Successful test takers relax before exams. They go to bed early, wake up early to eat a good breakfast, listen to favorite music, and get pumped up with confidence.

Relax – The best way to be relaxed when taking an important test is to be confident. Obviously, studying well for a test goes a long way to that end. But knowing where and when you will be taking the test are also important. Find out several days in advance. And again, avoid cramming!

C. Taking the Test

Skim! – Flip through the exam to get an idea of how many questions there are. Find out about the point values so you can tackle the important stuff first, rather than wasting ten minutes on a one-point question.

Pace yourself! – Start by doing what you know best in order to make sure you don’t run out of time. Then go back to work on the more difficult questions or tasks.

Ask for help! – If you do not clearly understand a question or a set of instructions, ask the teacher. Don’t be embarrassed – just ask!

Avoid distractions! – Don’t sit near someone who is likely to distract you. Don’t let yourself daydream. Have extra pencils or pens on your desk. Bring tissues! Set a watch on your desk to remind you that there is a time limit.

Check your work! – Before declaring that you are finished, carefully check the entire exam and/or answer sheet. Re-read the instructions to be sure you have done all that is required of you.