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Test Taking Tips

By this time in your educational journey you have taken quite a few tests. Some you really aced, while others were very frustrating experiences. Here are some test taking tips that might be helpful.

Before the Test

• Learn the material-be prepared.
  
• Practice taking the same type of test so that you can concentrate on the questions instead of the test form.
  
• Get a good night's sleep the night before.
  
• Don't go into the test on an empty stomach.
  
  • Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid processed foods, artificial sweeteners, soft drinks, chocolate, snack foods, sugar, and caffineated beverages.
    These foods often intensify stress.
    
• Arrive to the test early so that you aren't creating a stressful situation because you're rushing.
  
• Avoid people who are nervous and might cause you to become even more so.
  
• Don't try to do last minute review.
  
• Decide on a treat that you are going to reward yourself with-a movie, a swim, a walk in the park, coffee with a friend.

During the Test

• Stay positive and confident. Remind yourself that you are well prepared and are going to do well. Remember that you don't have to be perfect.
  
• Get comfortable. Choose a good spot to take the test with plenty of room to work.
  
• Preview the test. Spend a few minutes looking over the test, marking key terms and deciding how to budget your time.
  
• Answer the questions in strategic order. Answer the easy questions first, leaving more time for the more difficult ones. Next, answer those with the highest point value.
  
• Know when to guess when taking a multiple choice or matching test. Eliminate answers you know are wrong leaving fewer "right" choices.
  
• Don't change your answer unless you are sure of the correction since your first choice is usually correct.
  
• Save some time to review. Make sure you have answered all the questions-look on the backs of the pages. Check over the directions to make sure you have followed them.
  
• Don't try to be the first finished.
  
• Think about the post-exam treat that you have promised yourself.
  
• If you find yourself panicking try one of these quick exercises.
  • Close your eyes and deep breathe for 1 or 2 minutes.
  • Tense and then relax your back and neck muscles.
  • Imagine a peaceful place.
  • Engage in positive self-talk.

After the Test

• Remember that treat that you promised yourself? Go for it!
  
• Relax, you have earned it!
  
• Think back to the test and its organization and questions so that you can prepare for the next one.

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