EXAMSTRATEGIES

Study Skills Attend academic support activities

Review session, help sessions, etc. Soothing music in the background Scented floral candles or potpourri

facilitate learning Avoid soft chair or bed Tutoring help is available

Get it early

Tests are Important Usually only 3 – 4 per course May determine 75 – 100% of your grade

Check your syllabus Make a study plan

Five days for a major test

Test Preparation Learn the exam format: e.g. facts vs.

concepts Review course outline, notes and Quick

Study chart Review previous tests; check at

departmental office Summarize highlights on single sheet

Memory Dump

At the beginning of the test write down on scrap paper everything you remember - formulas, facts, names, etc.

scan the test questions

do second memory dump and begin the test

Before You Start Scan the exam to determine types of

questions asked Always read & follow directions! Determine the exam's scoring rules and use

them If wrong answers are penalized, don't guess

unless you can reduce the choices to two

Answer easy questions first Mark difficult questions and return to

them later

True - False Questions: Look for key words If any clause is false, the statement is false

Multiple Choice Questions Essentially T-F questions arranged in

groups Only one answer is totally true Eliminate obvious false answers Look for the answer that most fully answers

the question

Essay Exams Plan your time Read the exam through first

Be sure to number your answers the same as the exam numbers

Follow directions carefully Pay attention to key words Answer directly and concisely

More on Essay Exams Outlining

Choose the questions you know most about Some instructors will give a list of choices days

before the test Opening statement summarizes what you will say The rest supports your opening statement

Write neatly or print Use correct spelling and grammar