TIPS TO HELP PREPARE FOR EXAMS

TIPS TO HELP PREPARE FOR YOUR EXAM

 

Betty Goldberg

 

January 30, 2013

 

In school you have taken many exams. Whether you are an excellent exam taker or a novice at the task, you probably have experienced a degree of stress related to your performance on an exam. There are some steps you can take to reduce the stress of taking an exam, and these suggestions will likely help you throughout your life.

 

PREPARING FOR THE EXAM

 

Of course, it’s always easier to take an exam from an instructor whom you have had in previous classes because you know what to expect.

 

Rely on Experience. From experience, you know whether the instructor likes to use objective questions or subjective questions, whether the instructor focuses on the textbook or on class notes, and the difficulty of the questions the instructor asks.

 

Know What to Expect. If you do not know what to expect, however, you need to prepare for all possibilities. Be sure that you review all pertinent materials for the exam--whether they come from class notes, the textbook, field trips, or classroom presentations.

 

SURVIVING THE DAY BEFORE THE EXAM

 

Be sure you know where and at what time the exam will be administered. Organize the materials you need to bring with you to the exam. You may need a computer, a calculator, pencils, pens, CDs, or paper. Try to get a good night’s sleep the night before the exam.

 

TAKING THE EXAM

 

Now that the day of the exam has arrived, try this to ensure that you perform well:

 

1.      Arrive at the test site early so that you are ready to take the exam when the instructor announces the beginning time. That means you have to be sure to get up early enough to have a light breakfast before leaving for the exam.

2.      Read the instructions provided on the exam very carefully to be sure you answer the questions correctly.

3.      Keep track of time so that you don’t get stuck and spend too much of your time on any one part of the exam.

4.      Try to keep a positive attitude.

 

Relax as best you can. A relaxed performance is much more productive than a stressed performance.