Academic Resources > Academic Support Center > Online Writing Lab

Test Taking Tips

By this time in your educational journey you have taken quite a few tests. Some you really aced, while others were very frustrating experiences. Here are some test taking tips that might be helpful.

Before the Test

• Learn the material-be prepared.
  
• Practice taking the same type of test so that you can concentrate on the questions instead of the test form.
  
• Get a good night's sleep the night before.
  
• Don't go into the test on an empty stomach.
  
  • Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners, soft drinks, chocolate, snack foods, sugar, and caffineated beverages.
    These foods often intensify stress.
    
• Arrive to the test early so that you aren't creating a stressful situation because you're rushing.
  
• Avoid people who are nervous and might cause you to become even more so.
  
• Don't try to do last minute review.
  
• Decide on a treat that you are going to reward yourself with-a movie, a swim, a walk in the park, coffee with a friend.

During the Test

• Stay positive and confident. Remind yourself that you are well prepared and are going to do well. Remember that you don't have to be perfect.
  
• Get comfortable. Choose a good spot to take the test with plenty of room to work.
  
• Preview the test. Spend a few minutes looking over the test, marking key terms and deciding how to budget your time.
  
• Answer the questions in strategic order. Answer the easy questions first, leaving more time for the more difficult ones. Next, answer those with the highest point value.
  
• Know when to guess when taking a multiple choice or matching test. Eliminate answers you know are wrong leaving fewer "right" choices.
  
• Don't change your answer unless you are sure of the correction since your first choice is usually correct.
  
• Save some time to review. Make sure you have answered all the questions-look on the backs of the pages. Check over the directions to make sure you have followed them.
  
• Don't try to be the first finished.
  
• Think about the post-exam treat that you have promised yourself.
  
• If you find yourself panicking try one of these quick exercises.
  • Close your eyes and deep breathe for 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Tense and then relax your back and neck muscles.
  • Imagine a peaceful place.
  • Engage in positive self-talk.

After the Test

• Remember that treat that you promised yourself? Go for it!
  
• Relax, you have earned it!
  
• Think back to the test and its organization and questions so that you can prepare for the next one.

printable version

Need Help? Just ASC.
Return to the ASC Home page.