How to Take a Test

Before You Take the Test 1. Get Some Rest A good night's sleep is ideal. If you can't manage that, try for at least a few hours. 2. Eat Breakfast Even if your test is later in the day, breakfast can help with your test outcome. A light, high-protein meal is recommended. 3. Arrive Early Get to the test center early enough to get comfortable and relaxed. 4. Prepare Your Materials Make sure you have pencils, a watch, a calculator (with good batteries), test forms, and any other required supplies. 5. Relax Take a few deep breaths. 6. Have a Positive Attitude Don't psych yourself into failure. When You Get the Test 1. Download What You Know For science tests, such as chemistry and physics, you may have memorized constants and equations. Write these down. Write down anything you remember that you feel you may forget during the test. 2. Preview the Test Scan the test and identify the high-point questions. Also look for easy questions. Mark questions about which you are unsure to skip over until later. 3. Read the Instructions Don't assume you know how to answer a question until you read the directions. Taking the Test 1. Get Started Start with a high-point question you can answer. 2. Budget Your Time Work through the test from highest to lowest point value, answering questions about which you feel confident. In some cases, you may want to write an answer that covers the important points, then go back later to expand on your answer and provide examples. 3. Answer All Questions ...unless you are penalized for quessing. If you are penalized for wrong answers, eliminate answers you know are incorrect, then make a guess (if you have eliminated enough answers to risk the guess). 4. Be Sure You Answered All Questions Double-check for completeness. 5. Check Your Work If you have the time, this is very important. Science tests are notorious for problems in which answers depend on earlier sections. 6. Don't Second-Guess Yourself Don't change your answer unless you are sure of the new answer.