Test Taking and General Study Tips

If you have any additional study tips, please e-mail me and I'll be happy to share them here at this site. THANKS!

Study Tips:

• Study and prepare for exams on a daily basis. This puts the information into long term memory. Cramming utilizes short-term memory; information will "escape" before you have the chance to recall it.
• Study in short intense periods. Do not sit for prolonged periods of time pouring over the information.
• Keep your study materials organized (Separate notebooks for each class). Do not waste valuable study time looking for your study materials.
• Re-write your notes, make flashcards, organize flowcharts, draw pictures and label them, write yourself quizzes and exams. Organize a study group, for many people, this is a very effective way to study.
• For every hour you spend in class each week, spend two hours outside of class learning the material that was covered
• Answer review or study questions provided by your instructor or found in the textbook.
• Watch for objectives given in the reading or notes. Objectives tell you that this is the material you are expected to learn

 Test Taking Tips:

• Ask instructors to clearly define exam date, time, and materials needed, types of questions, and material that will be covered.
• Have all your test taking materials (pencils, paper, scantrons, notes, etc.) organized and with you at the time that you enter the exam site.
• Try to get to the exam early enough that you do not feel rushed. Select a seat away from the door (noise, people coming in late, leaving early will be distracting).
• De-sensitize yourself to test taking conditions. Write and take practice exams with a time limit, sitting in a desk or other environment that is similar to the classroom
• Take time to read test directions carefully before answering the questions. Watch for changes in directions
• Skim or look over the entire test before you begin answering individual questions.
• Do not read more into a question than is actually there.
• Place a mark in front of any question you are uncertain about rather than spend too much time on it. Return to this question after you have answered the other questions.
• Multiple Choice: Eliminate the obvious incorrect answers when responding to multiple choice questions. Read all choices before making a selection on a multiple-choice exam. Sometimes later selections include both __ & ___ above, or all the above
• True/False: Look for absolute words such as "none", "always", and "never". Keeps in mind there are few absolutes in our world. All parts of a true/false question must be true before the statement can be true
• Matching: When matching, first answer items that are known and then go back to remaining items and make the best choices.
• For items that are difficult to answer, underline key words.
• Ask permission to have a blank sheet of paper with you to "download" your answers. You can then recopy them in a neat and orderly fashion onto the exam. This also helps with short answer or essay questions for you to write out an outline of your answer.
• Always proofread your test before turning it in. If you have time, go back and reconsider all your answers. However, first intuition is often correct. Do not change an answer unless you are certain.
• Ignore the pace of other students.
• Analyze your tests when they are returned.
• Was there a lack of information (poor note taking, poor study habits, listening skills need refined, absence from the class, or teacher error?
• Carelessness (Hasty decisions, ignoring relevant information)?
• Misinterpretation of the question (language barrier, limited vocabulary, can you ask for clarification of the question during exam period)?
• Material not studied (not knowing what would be on the exam)?
• If you continue to have difficulty, ask your instructor how to best prepare for the exam (don't ask what's going to be on the exam).

Test Anxiety

Test anxiety is a real phenomenon. It happens to intelligent and well-prepared students. It does effect student performance.  
If you feel that you truly suffer from test anxiety, try the following tips.

• Prevent the onset of an anxiety attack. Study, be prepared and organized. No Cram Studying.
• Do not overindulge on caffeine prior to the exam.
• Do not stand outside the classroom listening to other students discuss the exam. (This will only heighten your level of arousal).
• Skip over questions you do not know, do not sit and ponder.
• Take deep breaths once in awhile. If anxiety builds, take deep breaths, grasp the bottom of your seat and pull (contraction) and then relax fully.
• Put yourself in a serene environment mentally for a few moments and then begin again.

Suggested Readings:

Making The Grade; Raise Your Grades by Studying Smarter, Not Harder.   Gall, M.D. & Gall J.P.  Prima Publishing, 1993. 

Student Success Secrets.  E. Jensen.  Barron's Educational Series, Inc.  1989

What Smart Students Know.  A. Robinson.  Drown Trade Paperbacks.  New York, 1993.

These materials are available for checkout in the Palo Alto College Library.

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