Study & Test Taking Tips
Reduce Anxiety
Find a quiet, comfortable place to study - away from the TV or loud distractions when studying. Be sure to turn off your smartphone. Try to avoid your bed because you may be tempted to lie down and take a nap. Take a few 5-10 minute breaks while studying to allow your brain to process the information reviewed. Get a drink, go to the bathroom or grab a snack and get back to studying.
Can't find a quiet place at home to study? Try the town library.
Begin reviewing for a test a little bit at a time in the days or the weeks leading up to the test.
Get some exercise. Work off restless energy by going for a walk or join some friends in a sports activity.
Get a good night's sleep.
Eat a good breakfast on the day of the test (and everyday).
Some students like to listen to music or soothing sounds to help them relax. If you can do this while studying, great. If not use perhaps music or soothing sounds can lull you to sleep if you are worried about the test and are restless during bedtime.
Try not to study later than the time you normally go to sleep. You will be tired. Instead, try studying in the afternoon. If you are a morning person, try getting up a little bit earlier and get some studying done.
When Taking the Test
Bring everything you will need to class for the test (pen/pencil, eraser, so on).
Be sure to use the restroom before the test.
Glance over the test to see what types of questions are on the test (multiple choice, essay). This will help you pace yourself.
If possible, use scrap paper or the back of the test to create a "cheat sheet." Jot down all of the things you know or want to get out of your head regarding the test (ex. math formulas, dates, names) so that you may clear your mind and focus on the questions. When necessary refer back to your "cheat sheet."
Be sure to read the directions and read them carefully. If you do not understand them, ask the teacher for clarification.
If you do not know the answer to a question, skip it and go on. Make a mark near it or circle it so that you know to come back to it later. As you go through the rest of the test, you may find a question or answer that will jog your memory about what you do not know.
Spend more time on the questions that are worth more points.
Some people find it easier to go through the test quickly and answer the easy questions first. Others like to answer the harder questions first.
Cross out answers that you know are not correct. Write notes to yourself to help you jog your memory.
Tell and repeat to yourself that this is only a test and that you do not have to be perfect.
Stretch in your chair.
Take a few deep breaths.
Avoid being distracted by other test takers. If someone or something is distracting you, let your teacher know.
Good Luck!