Heather Whitaker Academic Foundations- Reading

Student Success

Presentation

A brief overview on being prepared for exams.

General strategiesSpecific strategiesMethods of combating test-anxiety.

Before the testBe as well prepared as possible.Get a good amount of sleep.Eat healthy through out the day.Arrive for the test as early as

possible. Do not show up all stressed out running late.

Listen to your favorite song over and over.

Rule of ThumbDid you spend at least twice as

much time pre week outside of class as you did in class.

Did you take notes and review them each day? It only takes about ten-fifteen minutes a day to review?

Prepared?Did you begin reviewing a week

before the test? Not hours beforeDid you test yourself by using flash

or concept cards ?Did you create quizzes for yourself?Did you complete the textbook

chapter test and the review materials your instructor provided?

Test taking tipsRead the directions on the test!Quickly search for the questions that is most friendly and familiar. Do that question first. It will boost your confidence.

After that find that next question you know.

Timed ExamsThe best way to prepare for timed

exams is by practicing. Time yourself.

Have a game plan…Remember, Disability Services can

help with timed exams, if you qualify.

What to do on a multiple choice testRead the question, put a piece of paper or an index card to cover up the distracters.

Answer the question without looking at the distracters.

Have confidence in your answer and then make your choice.

Essay Exams or paper

Try free writing on an essay test or a paper.

Do not flood the professor with information and expect the professor to find the answers.

Free writing can help you filter out the unnecessary information.

Confused on what to do next

Do not get throne by a single question.Place a mark next to it and come back

to it.If it is a math or science question,

retrace your steps to find out where you got lost.

Never leave an answer blank.

Reducing AnxietyEngage in deep breathing for two-five

minutes.Tense and relax different muscle groupsUse guided imagery for a few minutes.Describe the anxiety. Aerobics can release anxiety and excess

energy.Utilize positive self talk.Peppermint

FinallyAlways use the remaining time to

quickly make sure you have answered every questions.

If it is math or science test check the formulas.

If it an essay test, proof read it a few times for errors.