Test Taking Strategies and Tips
Whether you are preparing for a weekly exam in your local high school or college or a standardized test like the Securities Certification Exam, or Armed Services Entrance Exams, practicing basic test taking strategies will help you achieve the test scores you want. Preparation is the key to successful test taking. See our Ultimate Guide to Test Preparation & Tips for Answering different types of questions. Knowing what kind of test you are facing will help determine how you study, but there are some basic techniques that can be used to prepare for any test.
1 When is the test? Start preparing a soon as possible. Schedule a specific amount of time each day to study. Offer yourself small rewards for completing each study period. Waiting until the last minute will only increase anxiety and reduce memory retention.
2 Where will the test be conducted? Try to replicate the test environment in your study environment. Try studying in a library where it is generally quiet but there are other people and some general distractions. If you can only study at home, study without the T V or music on. Study where you can hear a clock ticking or noises from the street. This will prepare you for any unsettling noises in the testing environment. See our post on What is the best place to study, and Places to avoid.
3 Are you a visual, audio, or tactile (physical) learner? If you are a visual learner, reading notes, watching tapes of classes, and visualizing the testing process will all help in preparing you for the test. If you are an audio learner, having someone quiz you on facts or ask you questions, listening to lectures, and repeating information aloud will help. And if you are a tactile learner, establishing a testing environment (chair, desk, and clock), writing notes repeatedly, and continuously practicing the actual test taking process will help you. Determining your learning style will help you study more effectively.
4 What will you need for the test? Collect all needed items for the test day at least the night before. Some tests require that you bring your own pen or pencils, an ID, certain forms, and other items such as a calculator that you might need for the test. Also make sure you have clean clothes, preferably laid out the night before; know where your car keys are; and have directions to the testing facility.
5 Is your body ready? Eat to prepare your brain for the upcoming challenge. Eat fruit to have consistent energy during the day. Avoid extra caffeine and sugar. While these give quick boosts of energy and attentiveness, they also wear off quickly and leave you feeling sluggish and distracted. Eggs (yolks especially) are high in choline, which can increase your brain power by rapidly moving signals to the nerve cells in the brain. Also eating fish, which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, not only helps develop gray matter but also helps maintain emotional balance and a positive attitude – important components to successful testing. Get a good night’s sleep and drink plenty of water – it flushes out stress hormones. RELAX and DO YOUR BEST!
See also, What to do in the test room Part 1 & Part 2 See also Test Taking Strategies from U of Minnesota.
