General Strategies

1. Make up practice test questions

2. Get to the test early and find a seat in which you feel most comfortable.

3. Read directions carefully before you start to take the test. If you do not understand them, ask.

4. If you are allowed to write on the test, consider doing the following:

   • As soon as you receive the test, write down and key information, such as formulas, theories, etc

   • Circle or underline key words

   • If it will help you to answer a question, draw a picture

5. Answer easy questions first

6. If you do not know the answer, put a mark beside the question and move on to the next question.

7. You may find an answer to a question that you do not know when you read another question on the test.

8. Answer all questions unless there is a penalty for guessing.

9. Look for key phrases.

10. Look for double negatives

11. Look for specific determiners such as always, never, etc. Look for qualifiers such as sometimes, generally, usually, most often, etc.

12. Write your answers clearly.

13. If you have to put your answers on a scantron or opscan sheet, it is a good idea to double check that you have filled in your answers on the right line and in the right column. consider checking after every five questions. If each page of the test contains only a few questions, consider double-checking your answer sheet before you turn to the next page of the test.

14. Don't be concerned about other test-takers.

15. Proofread the test before you turn it in.

16. In trying to determine a correct answer, consider what the instructor has said during class lectures.

17. Try to determine the instructor's patern: types of questions (definitions, theories, applications, dates, facts, numbers, comparisons), notes, textbooks, handouts, etc.

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    © 2005 Learning Lab, Community College of Philadelphia.  Contact: Jay Howard   Updated: Jan 2005