It can be easy to make simple mistakes on tests. A little bit of anxiety, a loss of concentration, or a simple error can cost precious points. With these test taking tips and diligent preparation you can expect to ace your exams.
Stay Calm and Focused with Breathing
If you feel anxiety start to bubble up and you can’t focus on the test, use deep breathing exercises to recenter your mind on the exam. Breath in through your nose, slowly counting to three in your mind. As you inhale, feel your belly rise with air. Then breath out for three counts through your mouth. Do this several times until you feel yourself relaxing a bit. Now you can concentrate on your test without giving your anxiety too much time in your mind.
Write Out Your Worries Ahead of Time
The simple act of writing out your fears and worries that relate to your test ahead of time can help you let go of them. This can help relieve anxiety that may otherwise overtake you during the test. Write out all of your worries the night before or a few hours before the test. Then you will have space left in your mind to focus and recall the material you have learned.
Always Mark An Answer
Even if you are stumped, you should always write down an answer. You may not have time to go back and add an answer. Or, if you are working on a bubble sheet, you may get off and mark a whole row of wrong answers. Mark down your best guess. Next, put a star by the question so that you know to go back and look it over again. You can always change your answer later.
Take Time to Check Your Work
If your exam is not timed, you should always take the time to look over your work. Rework math problems that were tricky. Reread essays for grammar and spelling mistakes. Double check that you are still confident about your multiple choice answers. You don’t want to question everything you do, but looking over your test can catch simple errors that cost big points. If you have time, don’t rush to the finish line. Go back and check the questions that were difficult first, then quickly look over the rest.
Study and Preparation
No amount of test taking tips or strategies can replace study and preparation. These tips will just ensure that all of your preparation goes to good use. Theses test taking tips will prevent simple mistakes and combat anxiety that can otherwise devastate your test scores.
