Preparing for Tests

The good news is that if you already doing the things described in this introduction, you are almost already prepared. If not, there is almost no advice that can be given. In brief:

Avoid cramming.

Get that vocabulary down pat.

Make diagrams.

Get help early if you need it.

Avoid wasting valuable time trying to anticipate what questions will be asked and which will not.

"The devil is in the details" - don't avoid or ignore them.

Look at old exams so that you understand the kinds of questions that may arise.

Emphasize lecture material over reading, but don't skip the text.

Get plenty of rest and exercise before the exam.

Remain calm, try breathing exercises, meditation or other techniques to help you focus on the task at hand.

Put the test in its proper perspective: it is only a test, not a cure for cancer! How well you do on any given exam is only one measure of your performance as a student and it is "small potatoes in the stew of life."

Arrive early even if you will not be admitted until a certain time, this eliminates some of the uncertainties of travel time.

Have your writing materials ready well before the test begins.

Try to eliminate all other distractions, personal problems etc. and focus only on the test at hand. Your problems will probably wait for you anyway; the test will not.

Make sure you understand the directions.

Read a question thoroughly before you answer, subtleties in wording can change an answer entirely.

Ask for clarification if you do not understand a question.

Your first instinct is often correct, before you change an answer, make sure that you have a good reason for doing so.

Organize your thoughts by preparing an outline before you begin writing an answer to an essay question.

Skip those questions that are troubling you, but be sure to go back to them later.

Keep your eye on the time. Make sure that you give adequate time to those questions that may have more value than others.

Recognize that not everyone is an "A" student in every subject. If you have set realistic goals and have honestly performed to the best of your ability, you should be proud of what you have accomplished rather than be discouraged over what you did not.