If there is one thing I know…
It is that a bad grade on a test is not the worst thing. But with these tips, you won’t need to worry about that.
- Adopt study strategies that worked for you in the past, and stick with them.
- Know your professor and what they did on tests prior. Whether it’s thinking back to tests you’ve taken with them or talking to students who took the course before you, figure out what the methods to their madness are.
- Look at how you did on tests in the past in the same course. What did you do well on? What did you not do so well on? Studying this information can save you time, and allow you to study exactly what it is you struggle with.
- The day before the test, when your head is clear, make a list of all the materials you need to bring with you and make sure to arrive early. Hurrying will make you feel rushed and unprepared.
- Be confident and relax. If you feel anxious, take several deep breaths and remind yourself that you have prepared well and will do well. On your way to the test don’t talk to other students about the test, it will only make you more nervous.
- Read the directions on the test carefully. This is obvious, but essential!
- If there is time when you are finished, quickly run through your work and make sure everything is completed and you have done all that you can.
- Strategically answer the questions. To work up your confidence, answer the easiest questions first with the least point value to lead you to the more difficult questions that will have been worked for. For essay tests, broadly outline your answer and then put it into an essay format.
- On essay tests, make sure to have a strong beginning sentence, and to start each of your body paragraphs with key points from your introduction.
- Don’t rush to leave the class the moment you’ve finished your test. Go back and review vocabulary, grammar and/or mismarked questions. There is a tendency of feeling rushed once others have completed their tests and are leaving the classroom, but don’t give in!
