Day of Test-Taking Tips
Excerpt below from Dr. K’s Secret Tips for Success on Essay & Short Answer Exams
By Evelyn Kirkley, Department of Theology & Religious Studies.
The morning of exam:
• Eat breakfast, including protein & carbohydrates, but do not overeat
• 1-2 caffeinated beverages okay is if you usually drink, but do not start drinking coffee that day!
• Get to exam on time or early
During exam:
• Read directions & questions carefully
• Answer the question that is asked
• Illustrate your points with examples/evidence from textbooks &/or class lectures
• Write what you know & do not guess, unless professor says guessing will not penalize you
• Answer questions directly & clearly--most professors do not appreciate bull----
• Use straightforward grammar & syntax
• Be as specific as you can & avoid vagueness
• Stick to your time management strategy
• If you start panicking, put down your pen, close your eyes, & take several deep breaths
• After exam, do something good for yourself–but no mind-altering substances!
Excerpt below from Strategies for Success in Science Test Taking
By Professor Sue Lowery, Department of Biology
- SLEEP!
Don’t pull lots of all-nighters…Sleep deprivation impairs your memory and your test performance. In fact, sleep deprivation is a recognized (and prohibited by the Geneva Convention) form of torture! Use coffee, tea, and chocolate in moderation, but NO DRUGS.
On the day of the test - Arrive on time for the exam and bring the correct accessories
Bring a calculator, pencils, formula card if allowed, etc. No cell phones, iPods, Blackberries, etc. please. - Take a deep breath and relax
Try to remain as relaxed as possible during the test so that you can perform at your peak. We all have some little ritual that relaxes us and sharpens our mental focus. Hide your baby blankey in your backpack, eat your favorite breakfast, wear a lucky shirt! - Look over the exam questions and budget your time
Decide whether you want to tackle the hardest or easiest question first according to your personal style. DO NOT SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ON A SINGLE QUESTION. Pace yourself and allot enough time for each page. - READ THE QUESTION TWICE
If you give a great answer to a question different from what the professor asked, you don’t get any points! Particularly for a complex essay question or word problem, underline the most important points and make certain you address them. (Where, Why, How, Contrast, etc.) Jot down a rough outline on the side or a list of key words. - Be concise and precise. Answer the question and STOP
Don’t write down everything you know about a topic. The professor will think you don’t really know the answer, and you are likely to point out your poor understanding during a ‘mind dump’. Also, vague answers yield poor scores because they reflect poor understanding. Use the correct terms and details. Scientists are real sticklers for the proper usage of definitions, equations, and facts.
Determine the proper format for an answer. If a discussion is not required, then a phrase may be sufficient. A figure or labeled diagram may greatly enhance your answer and save time. Show your calculations. - If you don’t understand a question, ask for clarification
Point out the specific statement that you don’t understand and perhaps ask for a restatement of the problem. State the question in your own words and ask the professor if you have clearly identified the question. However, don’t just fish for an answer.