Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Tests Coming Up? Be a Smart Test Taker

Let's be honest: No one Iikes taking tests very much.  Though some people handle tests more easily than others, an exam--especially a midterm, final, or other "biggie"--is no one's idea of a good time.

Yet tests are a fact of life in college, which is why it's important that you learn how to approach them.  Even if you have done all of the right things in the preparation department (translation: attended class regularly, taken good notes, kept up with assigned readings, completed assignments, etc.), you can also help yourself by being a SMART test taker.

Here are seven smart test-taking strategies:

1.  Look over the test before you begin working.  Taking a moment to review the exam will not only give you an idea of its length and content but allow you to budget your time.

2.  Read directions carefully.  Not all tests come with instructions, but when they do, don't ignore them.  Otherwise you might miss something important.

3.  Start by answering the questions you know best.  Nothing like some right answers to boost confidence!

4.  Calm down.  Say a prayer, tell yourself a joke, count slowly to ten, imagine a peaceful place: whatever eases your jitters is good.

5.  Don't stress (or obsess) over that impossible question.  No matter how much you have studied, you're bound to encounter at least one question that will make you go "Huh?"  Take an educated guess and move on.

6.  Work at your own pace.  Don't worry if others finish before you (no extra credit for the first guy out of the classroom).

7.  Leave time to review your answers.  You may catch a mistake, notice a question you've overlooked, or discover an answer to something that stumped you earlier.

P.S.  Keep reading "What's Up, NCC?" for advice on answering test questions, including multiple choice and essay.  Also, check out NCC's free test-taking workshops scheduled for Tuesday, March 19 (11:30 a.m.) and Thursday, March 21 (11:30 a.m.)--both in Nassau Hall, Rm. 206.

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