For all Exams

1. Listen and read all directions carefully. Do it twice.
2. Use your time wisely.
3. Check the entire exam to note the format, to see if you have a choice of questions to answer.
4. Estimate the amount of time to be spent on each section and on each item.
5. Time yourself on the first few items, and recheck whether you're on schedule two or three times while writing the test. Readjust your speed as needed.
6. Plan to use all of the allotted time. If you work to quickly, you rob yourself of time to think. Too slowly, you won't finish the test.
7. Give yourself opportunity to THINK.

 

Objective Exams (Multiple Choice and other)

After you survey and when you've budgeted your time, begin with the first item; work through test in sequence.

1. Read the question carefully
2. Ask “What is the question I'm to answer?”
3. Reread the question, underlining key words and phrases. Read every word.
4. Think of the answer before you look at the alternatives. (covering them with your non-writing hand is a good technique so you don't cheat while developing this habit.)
5. When you know how you would respond, look at each alternative. Look at every word. (Is it the same answer as the one you thought of, is it a logically correct answer?)
6. Then choose the best answer.
7. Keep the answer sheet and question sheet coordinated. Check each question number.

If you are not sure of the answer,

1. Guess if there is no penalty for doing so. But use the following system:

• Eliminate the “definitely wrong” responses.
• Balance the remaining options against each other – how are they the same? Different?
• Note words like only, always, not, all, never (these words have no exceptions). The words most, generally, may do allow for exceptions.
• Then choose the nest alternative remaining.
• Put a check mark in the margin so you can find it quickly if you have time to return to it.

1. Use information for other items to help you. Similar items or items on the same topic may trigger your memory.
2. Don't use much more than you budgeted time on a difficult item.
3. Put the item out of your mind. You need full attention for the next item.

When You Finish …

 

1. Check that you answered every item.
2. Return to items you marked for re-checking
3. Don't change an answer from one “guess” to another “guess”. Your first guess is usually the right one, unless you've suddenly remembered other information. In general, don't change answers.

 

Subjective Exams (Essay-Type)

 

1. Take a minute to jot down key words, ideas or formulas that you know you'll need (on scrap paper or the back of the exam sheet).
2. Read all of the instructions and all of the questions very carefully.
3. If you have a choice, decide which questions to answer. Beside each question jot down the key points that come to mind.
4. Budget your time.
5. Start with the easiest question.
6. For each question, make a flexible outline.
7. Write your answer and stay within the allotted time for each question.
8. Write something for each required question, even if you don't know the whole answer, or are uncertain.
9. Answer in point form if you run out of time.
10. Write legibly.
11. Ask yourself. Have I answered the question that was asked?
12. Proofread your paper.