effective exam preparations & test taking strategies intensive review 2007 1 andres d....

EffectiveExam Preparations& Test Taking Strategies

Intensive Review 2007

1

Andres D. Hortillosa, MBA, MS, FACHEPresident, ENTRALINK

Weeks Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

2

Understand the purpose of the NCLEX exam.

Understand the nature of Computer Adaptive Test (CAT).

Use one reliable source.

Weeks Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

3

Break down material into smaller bite size pieces.

Write out your study plan. Stick to your plan. Study for short periods of time.

Weeks Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

4

Create a study schedule around your work and family activities.

Commit to a set schedule. Involve the entire family. Make a contract with yourself. Put everything in writing.

Weeks Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

5

Insist in getting your study time. Avoid making up for lost time. Post positive notes to yourself. Tell yourself every day you will pass NCLEX

the first time.

Two Days Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

6

Print out directions from hotel to test center using mapquest.com.

Schedule the test for the part of the day when you are functioning optimally.

Get enough sleep the night before.

Two Days Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

7

Eat breakfast. Do not change your diet. Do not eat “new” food you have not tried

before.

One Day Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

8

Do NOT open any review material. Do NOT receive or make a call. Avoid making major decisions or get into

arguments. Visit the test center. Do a dry run of next

day’s event.

One Day Before The Exam

Intensive Review 2007

9

Go see a comedy or listen to classical music.

Retire to bed early. Do not consume alcohol. Set up alarm or ask hotel for a wake up call.

The Day of the Exam

Intensive Review 2007

10

Wake up early. Adjust wake up time to allow for a good breakfast.

Wear something familiar. Wear something warm.

Use a checklist for things to take to the test center.

Get to the test center at least 30-45 minutes early.

The Day of the Exam

Intensive Review 2007

11

Carry enough cash for taxi and incidentals to the test center.

Do not alter routine (smoking a cigarette or drinking coffee).

Remind yourself today is “game day.”

The Day of the Exam

Intensive Review 2007

12

Do not bring any review material to the test center.

Note board, scratch papers and writing instruments will be provided.

Listen to instructions first before asking questions.

Do not annoy the TA.

The Day of the Exam

Intensive Review 2007

13

TA will assign you a terminal and will give you a tutorial.

Ask to change terminal or if you think something is wrong with it.

Do not argue with the TA.

The Day of the Exam

Intensive Review 2007

14

Raise your hand to call the TA. Never use your voice once test has started.

Do not speak to anyone about the exam during breaks.

If possible, do not speak to anyone especially in Filipino.

When you speak, speak English only.

Test Taking Strategies

Intensive Review 2007

15

Relax. Breathe normally. Remind yourself this exam is for entry level

nurses. Front load the exam. Get rid of obvious wrong answers. Keep plausible answers.

Test Taking Strategies

Intensive Review 2007

16

Pay attention to keyword qualifiers, e.g. never, always, except, all, none, first, last, etc.

Do not let prior experience influence your thinking.

Read the questions from the point of view of someone who is new to the nursing profession.

Test Taking Strategies

Intensive Review 2007

17

Do not dwell on past questions or past answers.

Focus all your energies on the current question.

Do not second guess yourself. When you get upset, stop and take a short

break. Take the test one question at a time.

Test Taking Strategies

Intensive Review 2007

18

Believe.