Survival Tips for Taking the Exam
- Expect a certain amount of tension. The feeling is normal and it can motivate you.
- Cope with your tension through exercise and relaxation techniques.
- Avoid last minute cramming. Avoid all-nighters that disrupt your regular sleep patterns: analytic ability is affected by fatigue.
- Think of the coming exam as the final step of your study process instead of as a threatening new experience.
- Know the times of your exams and plan your sleep schedule so you will be at your most alert.
- Arrive early, but not too early.
- Have a plan of attack. (See materials on Taking Essay Exams and Taking Multiple Choice Exams.)
- Be aggressive. Approach studying, and the test itself, vigorously determined to do your best with the information you know. Think of yourself as a star athlete before a big event. Keep yourself in good heath through adequate rest and diet.
- Eat something sensible before the exam; you can probably hold down a bowl of cereal even if you are very tense.
- Avoid over-dependence on caffeine or other chemical aids to study or to sleep.
- Relax during the test. If you notice you are not thinking well or you are very tense, take a pause by laying the test aside and taking several slow, deep breaths.
- Ignore your classmates. If you tend to be distracted, buy and practice using ear plugs.
- Beware of the post mortem. You will only succeed in raising your anxiety level.
- If you become really ill, or if you have some other unforeseen crisis, do not take the exam! Call the Records Office to find out how to re-schedule.
Questions?
Please email Janet Madden, call (619) 260-2293 or stop by Warren Hall, Room 117.
