Test Taking

To Cram or Not to Cram, That is the Question

Cramming is defined as:

• Any last minute effort to master a large amount of new information. The key word of course is "new". Cramming, despite its usefulness as a social institution, is useless as a means to pass an exam.
• Final Review is defined as:
• Any last minute effort to organize and brush up on previously learned material. Final reviewing is an extremely useful study tool with moderate to high success.
• All-nighter is defined as:
• Any effort to study or write a term-paper the night before so that you get little or no sleep. Pulling an all-nighter to finish a term-paper is common and relatively harmless, but all-nighters and exams are a deadly combination.

Pre-test Checklist

• Get to the test early -- get comfortable, relax.
• Think positively about the exam.
• What to bring to the exam:
• A watch -- keep track of the amount of time you have.
• A snack -- will give you energy (don't take an exam on an empty stomach because stomach pains or lightheadedness can be distracting; also, don't drink too much coffee or soda, the caffeine can make you jittery).
• Extra pen or pencil.
• Extra batteries for your calculator.
• Dress properly (for cold or for hot weather) you want to be comfortable as possible during the exam.

What To Do If You Panic During An Exam

• STOP!!! Close your eyes, breathe deeply, put down your pencil and think about something pleasant to relieve the tension.
• Have a soda or candy bar with you in the exam, so that you can stop and take a "snack break."
• Go to items on the test you are sure of and answer them first. Don’t get hung up on a question if you can't answer it. Skip it and go back to it later, however make sure you don't leave any blank for the possibility that you may get those right.

Post-Test Checklist

• At the end of a final exam give the professor a self-addressed, stamped postcard or envelope so s/he can notify you about the course grade -- this may give you a psychological advantage; the caring student.
• Find out your final exam grade or when you can get it so you can discuss the final grade with your professor if there is a discrepancy. A professor is more likely to change a grade BEFORE he or she hands in the final grades.

Essays

• Write legibly, use good grammar and put facts in logical order. To help organize your ideas, write a brief list of points you have to cover in the margin.
• Read all the questions carefully before you start writing. Start with the question that is easiest for you.
• Allocate your time accordingly. Sometimes one essay will be worth more points than another.
• Never leave a blank on an essay test: Write down any related information that you can think of; professors usually give partial credit for partial answers.
• Get to the point. Avoid writing everything you know about the subject, just the stuff that pertains to the subject.
• Professors will appreciate a concise, well thought out essay rather then a "novel" that proves you have a wonderful short term memory.

Open Book Tests

The announcement of an open book test often lulls students into a false sense of security. However, professors will expect more detailed answers since you have access to your notes and textbook. To save time, you should:

• Organize your notes so you know where to find the information you need.
• Put book marks in your text.
• For specifics use the index.
• On all tests use the entire period to complete the exam. Don't compare yourself with other people who may finish early. Don't forget to always check your test at the end to eliminate careless errors.

Take Home Tests

• These kinds of tests usually have essay questions. They require a level of polish above that expected in a regular test.
• Treat these tests as if they were mini-papers, formulate an approach, and organize your thoughts.
• After the essay is typed make sure it makes sense and is free from all spelling and grammar mistakes.

Educated Guesses

Study skills guru Claude Olney of Arizona State University suggests using the following methods to help eliminate choices:

• Multiple Choice. When 2 out of 4 choices are opposites, pick one of those 2 as the best guess.
• B, C, and D answers are the best in 5 answer multiple choice questions.
• Avoid pairs. If question 28 is known to be B, avoid guessing B in 27 or 29.
• Non-answers (zero, none of the above, etc.) are usually poor guesses.
• In questions asking for the most or the least, pick the answer next to the most or the least.
• "All of the above" is generally a good guess.
• Longest multiple choice answers are good guesses.
• If 2 of the 4 choices are almost identical, pick the longer of the two.
• If a few questions have five possible choices instead of four, pick number five.
• If a question asks for a plural or singular answer make sure you pick the plural or the singular.
• When limiting words are used (all, never, always, must, etc.) "false" is usually the better answer.
• When general terms are used (most, some, usually, could, might, etc.) "true" is usually the better answer.
• Exaggerated or complex answers are generally "false."
• As you go along put check marks next to questions you're not sure of so you can quickly go back to them as time expires.
• All fill-in-the-blanks should be answered. Your answer might be correct or you might receive partial credit.
• With essay exams say as much as you can, but use short paragraphs and write legibly.
• Answers often pop up in other questions. Keep that in mind.
• First impressions are often best. When in doubt go with your initial response.
• When a question is difficult to visualize draw it out.
• Assume a possible answer, then work backwards to see if you are right.
• Eliminate all possible wrong answers first then make an educated guess.
• Sit in front of the class. Ambiguous questions can be cleared up much easier.
• READ THE QUESTION - ANSWER THE QUESTION.
• Stay until the end of the exam. Questions may be clarified by the instructor as an afterthought.