Sometimes life takes over and you become busy doing sports, going to work, attending family events and you just don’t have time to study before a big test. When this happens to you, don’t despair, you can still perform well. 

Information Dump

Right before the exam quickly review your notes or any facts, equations, dates, that you should have memorized; anything you know will be on the exam. As soon at the test begins, in an area where you can make notes, write out as much as you can remember. That way you won’t have to hold it in your memory until the question shows up on the test. You can go back and reference your notes when a question shows up that has detailed information on it. 

Use The Test

Use other questions to help you find your answers. If you are stumped, go on to the next question. Something in the test could jog your memory or give you the answer to a previous question outright. Don’t waste time and become more flustered by hovering on a single question. Move on and come back, you can always make an educated guess later.

Guessing Wisely

If you are forced to make blind guesses, Business Insider found that the answers are rarely exactly the same near each other. This means if the answer to the question above is A and the question underneath is B, you probably want to guess C or D. Remember this only improves your chances for totally blind guesses. If you have eliminated an answer, go with your knowledge and not with the stats. 

Breathe

It can be easy to panic when you start a test you haven’t studied for. Panic won’t help you get the score you want. If you feel anxious, take a few deep breaths deep into your belly. This will help you focus and concentrate. Don’t forget that you have likely done reading and homework that applies to the information. You can draw on material you know even if you didn’t review it in the days leading up to the exam.

Don’t Replace Study

These tips are certainly no replacement for diligent study, but they can help you keep your cool when life got too crazy to squeeze it in. You can still try your best even when you weren’t able to study.

 

 

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