Transcript Exam Strategies

EXAM
STRATEGIES
Study Skills
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Attend academic support activities
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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
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Get it early
Tests are Important
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Usually only 3 – 4 per course
May determine 75 – 100% of your grade
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Check your syllabus
Make a study plan
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Five days for a major test
Test Preparation
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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
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At the beginning of the test write
down on scrap paper everything you
remember - formulas, facts, names,
etc.
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scan the test questions
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do second memory dump and begin
the test
Before You Start
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Scan the exam to determine types of
questions asked
Always read & follow directions!
Determine the exam's scoring rules and use
them
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If wrong answers are penalized, don't guess
unless you can reduce the choices to two
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Answer easy questions first
Mark difficult questions and return to
them later
True - False Questions:
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Look for key words
If any clause is false, the statement is false
Multiple Choice Questions
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Essentially T-F questions arranged in
groups
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Only one answer is totally true
Eliminate obvious false answers
Look for the answer that most fully answers
the question
Essay Exams
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Plan your time
Read the exam through first
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Be sure to number your answers the same as
the exam numbers
Follow directions carefully
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Pay attention to key words
Answer directly and concisely
More on Essay Exams
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Outlining
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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