Mastering Exams: 10 Proven Test-Taking Strategies for Higher Scores

Test-taking is an essential skill for college students. It requires more than just knowledge of the subject matter; effective test-taking strategies can make a significant difference in your performance. In this article, we will focus on strategies to improve your test-taking skills while actually taking the test. Here are some research-backed tips and tricks for better scores.

1. Read the Instructions Carefully

Obviously, right!? Sometimes, it’s easy to breeze over the instructions and get busy. You studied hard and you’re ready to go! But, before you start answering any questions, read the instructions thoroughly. This step is crucial to ensure you understand the format of the test, whether it's multiple choice, short answer, or essay-based. Pay attention to specific directives like whether you should choose one or more answers, the point distribution, and if there are penalties for guessing.

2. Scan the Entire Test

Quickly scanning the entire test gives you a sense of the scope and helps you strategize your time. Identify the sections that may require more time and those that you can complete quickly. This overview will also help you spot any questions that you are confident you can answer, providing an early boost to your score.

3. Start with the Easy Questions

Begin with the questions that you know you can answer. This strategy helps build momentum and confidence as you progress through the test. It also ensures that you secure points where you're certain of the answers before tackling more challenging questions.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Time management is critical during a test. Pay attention to the clock and allocate your time based on the weight and difficulty of each section. A common recommendation is to spend the first few minutes reading and planning, then divide the remaining time according to the number of questions and their complexity.

5. Use the Process of Elimination

When dealing with multiple-choice questions, use the process of elimination to narrow down your options. Cross out the answers that you know are incorrect, and then focus on the remaining choices. This strategy increases your chances of selecting the correct answer, even if you're not entirely sure.

6. Make Educated Guesses

If you're unsure about a question, make an educated guess rather than leaving it blank, unless there's a penalty for incorrect answers. Use any contextual clues from the surrounding questions or your general knowledge to make an informed choice.

7. Stay Calm and Focused

Test anxiety can undermine your performance. Practice deep breathing or mindfulness techniques to stay calm during the test. If you find yourself getting anxious, take a moment to relax, refocus, and return to the task at hand.

8. Review Your Answers

If time allows, go back and review your answers. Look for any questions you might have skipped or misread, and double-check your work for accuracy. During this review, focus on questions where you were unsure and consider whether there's any additional insight that might lead you to change an answer.

9. Pay Attention to Keywords

When answering questions, especially those that involve reading comprehension or critical thinking, pay attention to keywords and phrases. These can provide valuable hints about the correct answer or the underlying concept.

10. Stay Positive! Have a Panglossian mindset!

A positive mindset can help you stay focused and reduce test anxiety. Keep a positive attitude throughout the test, even if you encounter challenging questions. Remind yourself that you've prepared well and that you can do your best.

Want more? Check out this article on Different Learning Styles and How They Affect your Performance!

Good luck!

If this helped you, let us know! Optimism@PanglossianLife.com

Sources:

University of Michigan – Taking the Exam

UNC Learning Center – Test Day Game Plan

Verywell Mind – What Is Test Anxiety?