Examinations are a fundamental (and often stressful) component of the contemporary college experience. Prospective undergrads can expect to take dozens of tests and quizzes between now and graduation day. The format and style of these exams vary by subject, level, and instructor. The most successful college students learn to adapt their test-taking and studying strategies accordingly.
We've broken down the different types of exams found on college-level examinations and assembled a few of our favorite tips for approaching different testing material and improving studying comprehension. The bottom line is simple: there is no substitute for thorough, thoughtful studying.
Types of Exams and Questions
First, we’ll discuss different exam formats you are likely to encounter as a college student. Let's begin by listing some effective strategies and tactics that will help you excel during any exam, regardless of structure.
1. Manage your time: Since the majority of your college exams must be completed within a certain time frame (typically the length of one course day), you need to ensure every minute is effectively used. According to an article by U.S. News & World Report contributors Jeremy S. Hyman and Lynn F. Jacobs, you should make a “tentative plan” as soon as your professor hands out the exam forms. Note the number of questions, point values, and any optional sections. Then you can determine how much time to devote to each question. “Don't waste too much time outlining your answers, writing down formulas you've memorized, or (when given a choice) starting a question and then stopping and starting another question,” the article notes. “You're being graded on the quality of your answer, not on notes to yourself or false starts.”
By the same token, it's important to pace yourself, especially if you are given two or three hours to complete the exam. Hyman and Jacobs suggest taking a brief break between completed sections if time allows. Also, try not to feel overly panicked if you encounter a problematic section or set of questions. “Ignore such instantaneous feedback,” they write.
Finally, avoid leaving class once the exam is over, even though your professor might allow it; if you finish before time expires, take some extra time to proofread your essays and double-check your answers to multiple-choice and fill-in-the blank questions.
2. Carefully follow all of the directions: Many students are tempted to breeze through their exam instructions in order to capitalize on the time they've been allotted, but an exam tutorial from St. Edward's University urges test-takers to meticulously review all of the directions. Some exams only require students to complete a certain number of the questions or essays (as opposed to all of them), so a quick read-through could potentially save you a lot of time.
Additionally, it's important to note the terminology of the instructions. If you are required to write an essay that “summarizes” or “outlines” a certain concept, for instance, then do not go into a substantial amount of detail; on the other hand, you should avoid over-generalized language in essays that call for you to “analyze” or “illustrate.”
3. Don't second-guess yourself…too much: “Trust your instinct” is, according to many academic experts, a tried-and-true exam-taking aphorism. However, there are pros and cons to second-guessing yourself on the day of the big exam. You should only regard your instincts as trustworthy if you have taken the time to thoroughly study the material that appears on your exam.
Now that we've discussed some effective strategies for all college exams, let's explore the three most common testing formats.
Multiple-Choice
Since multiple-choice questions are found on many high school exams (as well as the SAT, PSAT, and standardized tests in all 50 states), most college students are familiar with this format before enrolling in their first batch of undergraduate courses. These questions are typically accompanied by three to six possible answers; in some cases, more than one answer may be correct. The following example illustrates a standard multiple-choice question.
Which of the following individuals DID NOT sign the Declaration of Independence?
- Thomas Jefferson
- Benjamin Franklin
- John Adams
- John Hancock
- George Washington
The definitive answer is E. George Washington. Some multiple-choice questions will be a bit more complicated, however. For instance:
Group 12 of the standard periodic table of elements contains elements that are:
- Primordial, or naturally occurring
- Trace radioisotopes that only occur naturally in small amounts
- Synthetic, or manmade, elements
- A, B, and C
- A and B
- None of the above
If the student is instructed to circle only one answer choice, then D would be considered the most correct. However, A, B, C, D, and E are all technically correct, as Group 12 is comprised of elements with each of the three occurrence properties.
Tips for multiple-choice questions: According to a study guide from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC), multiple-choice questions require students “to be familiar with a much broader range of material than essay exams do” because there are so many different answer possibilities. These questions force students to memorize key dates, formulas, vocabulary terms, and other assorted materials. You might score a few extra points from sheer guesswork, but, by and large, students should not expect to score a high exam grade by “bluffing” their way through multiple-choice questions.
The content of multiple-choice questions generally follow course reading assignments. Students are encouraged to make vocabulary flashcards, bulleted lists, and data tables that organize different terms into easy-to-understand groupings. An effective strategy when taking a multiple choice test is to:
- First,try to answer the questions before looking at your options. If you are comfortable with the material, you should be able to provide your own answer.
- Then,if your answer isn’t one of the choices, look for the answer that most closely matches your original guess.
- Finally, if your answer does not resemble any of the given choices, use the process of elimination to cut one or two options, and, from there, try to make an educated guess based on the remaining answers.
The UWEC study guide also notes that ‘All of the above' is often the correct answer, while ‘None of the above' is not usually the right choice. The order of the choices is also significant. “If all else fails, choose response (b) or (c),” the study guide says. “Many instructors subconsciously feel that the correct answer is ‘hidden' better if it is surrounded by distractors. Response (a) is usually least likely to be the correct one.”
Finally, it's important that you not waste too much time on particularly tough questions. Give yourself some time for guesswork/elimination, but if you haven't derived an answer after a minute or so, then your best course of action is to move on. If time allows, return to the problematic question(s) once you've completed the rest of the exam.
True/False
At first glance, an exam question with only two possible outcomes might seem like the easiest one to answer, and students who aren't sure how to answer a true-or-false question are much more likely to guess the correct answer. However, these questions might be more difficult to solve than they first appear. Consider this example:
True or false: F. Scott Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and William Faulkner were all part of the ‘Lost Generation' literary movement.
The answer is false. While Fitzgerald and Stein were members of The Lost Generation movement, most literary scholars do not include Faulkner in that grouping. Here's another example of a relatively tricky true/false question.
True or false: According to relativistic mechanical theory, kinetic energy is always calculated with the formula 1/2mv2
The answer to this question is also false. This formula is part of classical mechanical theory, whereas relativistic mechanical theorists believe this formula is only practical for relatively slow speeds.
Tips for true/false questions: Students should carefully analyze the way true/false questions are phrased. Rather than skimming over them, look for clues hidden in the question that ultimately affect the answer. These include:
- Prefixes (such as un- or non-) that might negate the statement
- Double negatives that reverse the question
- Qualifying modifiers (such as “usually” or “sometimes”) that generalize the statement
- Extreme modifiers (such as “absolutely” and “never”) that “may make a statement false that seems at first glance to be true.”
The Office of Academic Services at Providence College suggests the following approach to true/false questions: assume all of the statements are true, and then analyze each sentence for any word or phrase that makes the statement false. Remember, the entire statement is false if one part of it is false, regardless of whether the rest of the statement is true.
Essay
Multiple-choice and true/false questions are graded on an absolute point scale, meaning professors award either all or none of the points possible, depending on whether the answer is correct or not. Essay questions, on the other hand, are usually graded on a subjective point scale. This means the essay offers a maximum possible point value, and the test-taker will receive a certain number of points based on the quality of his or her writing and course knowledge demonstrated in the essay. Here is an example:
Compare and contrast the lives and careers of Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky. How did the backgrounds of both men influence their individual literary styles?
Tips for essay questions: The first step toward crafting a polished exam essay is to create a general outline to follow. As with other essays, exam essays should follow the “five-paragraph” format. According to an online tutorial from Capital Community College, the standard template for an exam essay is as follows:
- Introduction: A short paragraph that discusses the material in abstract terms and ends with a thesis statement that you, over the course of the essay that follows, will attempt to corroborate. This final statement is also known as the “transitional hook.”
- Supporting paragraph #1: The first supporting paragraph should include the strongest arguments, and begin with a “reverse hook” that coincides with the transitional hook at the end of the introduction. Outline the main crux of the paragraph in the first two sentences, and then proceed to back up your claim with evidence of the argument, ending with a transitional hook that leads into the next paragraph.
- Supporting paragraph #2: Fittingly, the second supporting paragraph should contain the second strongest argument. As with the first supporting paragraph, begin the second with a reverse hook that responds to the previous transitional hook, but also make sure the paragraph ties in with the introductory thesis statement.
- Supporting paragraph #3: This final supporting paragraph can contain a third argument (the weakest of the three) or a slight rebuttal that you will address before the paragraph is finished. In either case, end the third supporting paragraph with a statement that suggests this is the final main point of the essay.
- Conclusion: The final paragraph of your essay should echo the thesis statement without repeating it verbatim, and include a brief summary of the three main points without introducing any new information.
Using the essay question above, we can now take you through the thought process needed to come up with a sentence-for-sentence flow to each of the major sections of the essay.
Intro: “Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky are arguably the two most notable Russian authors of the late 19th century, and their books are still enjoyed by millions of readers worldwide on an annual basis. However, literary scholars have noted significant differences in the writers' thematic content, prose, and literary style. These differences are likely due to the contrasting circumstances of the two men ― although the lives of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky did, notably, also share some similarities.”
Supporting paragraph #1: You might begin this paragraph by noting the two authors came from relatively wealthy families. Their affluent upbringings allowed both men to study literature during their formative years, and this exposure inspired both of them to write fiction at a young age. However, only one ― Tolstoy ― had a family that supported his desire to write professionally; Dostoevsky's parents sent him to an engineering academy, a decision he strongly protested. Notably, both men served in the Russian military, and later used their experiences as fodder for their stories.
Supporting paragraph #2: In this paragraph, you could discuss the different post-military careers of Tolstoy and Dostoevsky. The former went on to become a successful author not long after his stint in the Russian army, while the latter was exiled in Siberia for eight years. Perhaps as a result, Tolstoy's novels gravitated toward Russian nobility, while Dostoevsky's novels were more focused on criminal activities and the Russian legal system.
Supporting paragraph #3: This final paragraph might be a good place to mention the differing critical responses both authors received, both during their lifetimes and among contemporary scholars. While Tolstoy was immediately revered as a brilliant writer and is, today, widely considered one of the world's greatest authors of all-time, Dostoevsky received negative reviews throughout his career, and his reputation among today's literary theorists is decidedly more mixed.
Conclusion: The conclusion should reiterate that Tolstoy and Dostoevsky were very different writers, despite some lingering similarities, but that both men managed to become iconic figures of late 19th-century Russian literature.
Please note that exams may call for short and/or long essays. Although there are obvious length differences between these two types, you can use the same five-paragraph template for both.
Overcoming Test Anxiety
Test anxiety is common, especially at the college level. While many educational experts argue that a little bit of pre-exam stress is fine, even a little healthy, full-blown test anxiety is a serious condition. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), symptoms of text anxiety include:
- Physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, diarrhea, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and light-headedness/faintness
- Emotional symptoms like feelings of anger, helplessness, disappointment
- Mental/cognitive symptoms like difficulty focusing, negative thoughts, and unrealistic or unfounded comparisons to other students
The most effective way to combat test anxiety is academic preparedness. By thoroughly studying all course materials, rewriting notes, creating study guides, and meeting with other students to go over test content, you will be much more confident before and after the exam. Additionally, the ADAA recommends the following strategies for staving off test anxiety.
- Hone your exam-taking skills: As mentioned above, you're much more likely to earn a good test grade by carefully reading the instructions, budgeting your time wisely, and using different approaches to multiple-choice, true/false, and essay questions.
- Stay positive: Before taking the exam, make the active decision to be satisfied with any possible outcome. If you receive a high grade, reward yourself with a fancy dinner or recreational pursuit; if your grades are low, resolve to study harder for the next exam and adopt more effective habits without sacrificing your positive attitude. “Remember that your self-worth should not be dependent on or defined by a test grade,” notes the ADAA.
- Concentrate on the exam: Don't let your attention drift to other students, your professor, your plans that evening, or anything else except the exam itself.
- Remember to relax: Meditation, yoga, and other activities have been shown to relax the individuals that practice them, and there are ways to calm yourself during the exam, as well. “If you feel stressed during the exam, take deep, slow breaths and consciously relax your muscles, one at a time,” says the ADAA. “This can invigorate your body and will allow you to better focus on the exam.”
- Maintain healthy habits: Many factors will influence how you perform on an exam, including those completely unrelated to your studies. These include diet, exercise, unhealthy habits (like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption), and the amount of sleep you receive each night. You can prepare in advance for major exams by eating healthy meals, getting at least seven and a half hours of sleep per night, and getting plenty of exercise in the days leading up to the test date.
- Meet with your school counselor: If your test anxiety is becoming too much to handle on your own, then a visit to your school's counseling office might be in order. College-level counselors are trained to address common student problems like test anxiety, and these individuals might be able to provide the additional support you need to succeed.
Online Study Resources
Today's students have a wealth of study resources at their fingertips. The following sites are designed to help students improve their study habits, reduce test anxiety, and earn high grades on exams in all subjects.
- A Guide to Testing Smart on Multiple-Choice Exams: This eight-page tutorial from Michigan State University professor Gillian Bice, Ph.D., discusses several different approaches to multiple-choice exams ― both advantageous and problematic. Dr. Bice also explores ways for students to mitigate the physical, emotional, and mental effects of test anxiety.
- True/False Exam Questions: This brief tutorial (appropriated from The Leader's Guide for Supplemental Instruction, University of Missouri-Kansas City) consists of seven strategies for approaching true/false exam questions. These include “look for qualifiers,” “answer the questions you know first,” and “when guessing, do not change answers.”
- Writing Essays for Exams: This comprehensive tutorial from the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) explores proper essay-writing techniques for different exam formats. Six different “organizational patterns” for exam essays ― definition, analysis, cause and effect, comparison/contrast, process analysis, and thesis-support ― are covered in the tutorial.
- How to Study: Studying Tips for College Students: This infographic from Rasmussen College discusses some of the most effective and ineffective methods of studying for a university-level exam. Points of discussion include the optimal amount of time you should devote to studying, the pros and cons of cramming vs. long-term studying, and the disadvantages of listening to music while reviewing course materials.
- Reducing Test Anxiety: This 13-page guide from the Praxis Series is divided into three segments: ‘Recognizing Test Anxiety,' ‘How to Cope,' and ‘What You Need to Succeed.'
| Name of Exam | Field of Study | Exam Format | Duration | Cost | Fee Waivers? | When It's Offered | Average Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRE | General | Three sections: Analytical Writing (2 questions); Verbal Reasoning (50 questions); and Quantitative Reasoning (50 questions) (Source) | 3 hours and 30 minutes (Source) | $195 (Source) | Fee reduction certificate may be available (Source) | Throughout the year (Source) | 149-151 out of 170 points (Source) |
| GMAT | Business and Management | Four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment (1 question); Integrated Reasoning (12 questions); Quantitative (37 questions); and Verbal (41 questions) (Source) | 3 hours and 30 minutes (Source) | $250 (Source) | No fee waivers are available through the GMAC (which administers the exam) but some scholarships award GMAT exam vouchers (Source) | Throughout the year (Source) | 545. 6 out of 800 points (Source) |
| LSAT | Law | Four sections in three categories (Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning, and Logical Reasoning) that count toward the final score, as well as a “variable,” or unscored, section (Source) | 2 hours and 55 minutes (for all five sections) (Source) | $170 (Source) | Waivers and discounts are available (Source) | Varies by year and geographic location; 2014 LSAT exams are offered in June, October, and December (Source) | 150 out of a possible 180 points; a minimum of 160 is required for admission into any of the top 25 law schools (Source) |
| MCAT | Medicine | Four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (59 questions); Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 questions); Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 questions); and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (53 questions) (Source) | 7 hours and 25 minutes (Source) | $305 (Source) | The AAMC offers a fee assistance program for exam-takers with demonstrated financial need (Source) | The MCAT is offered multiple times between January and September of each calendar year (Source) | The total score ranges from 472 to 528; the midpoint is 500 (Source ) |
Finally, here are a few study guides, practice tests, and other online resources to help you study for each of these four graduate-level entrance exams:
GRE
- Educational Testing Service (the organization that offers GRE exams) provides sample test questions for all three sections of the GRE, as well as detailed guides specific to both the computer- and paper-based formats.
- In addition to study guides for both English and math, The Princeton Review offers services for students who wish to obtain private tutors for the GRE, enter small study groups, enroll in a classroom tutorial course, and/or undergo a self-paced study course.
- Kaplan Test Prep provides links for both classroom- and video-based GRE tutorials, as well as sample test questions for first time exam-takers.
GMAT
- Platinum GMAT offers detailed guides to all of the math and writing components of the GMAT, as well as a few sets of practice questions.
- The Princeton Review allows web users to take an online practice GMAT exam; links for brick-and-mortar practice tests are also provided.
- The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) offers several comprehensive study guides for sale on its official site; most books are relatively inexpensive, priced between $30 and $40 apiece.
LSAT
- The Law School Admission Council (LSAC) offers “The Official LSAT Preptest,” which is roughly 30 pages in length.
- In addition to an online practice version of the LSAT, The Princeton Review offers links for those who wish to take a classroom-based practice exam.
MCAT
- The American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers detailed guides to all sections of the MCAT, including the optional trial section.
- The Princeton Review offers three options for prospective MCAT-takers: links for classroom-based tutorials and practice exams, an online version of the test, and “free access” to online diagnostic exams.
FAQs
How can I pass a multiple choice exam without studying? ›
Never say never
Pay attention to your word choice. Words like 'never', 'always', 'everybody', and 'nobody' are generalised terms that are so emphatic as to be nearly always wrong. This will of course not apply to all exams, but as a rule, try to avoid using these words in your answers.
- Find the right workplace. ...
- Make the most use of your time. ...
- Assemble your requirements properly to avoid distractions. ...
- Compile all your notes. ...
- Avoid cramming for long hours. ...
- Prioritize and work accordingly. ...
- Talk to someone around you.
- Review the subject to get a good overview.
- Work out the main themes and topics.
- Identify key concepts or information.
- Make brief and legible notes.
- Summarise important information.
- Use clear headings.
- Organise notes by topic.
- Identify how topics are connected.
- Eat a healthy meal: ...
- Set an alarm (or two): ...
- Don't drink too much water: ...
- Get enough sleep: ...
- Review study notes: ...
- Don't study too late: ...
- Work out: ...
- Prepare for the morning:
True or False
The “True” or “False” questions are some of the most commonly used multiple-choice questions. It includes the stem (question or statement) and two answer options – True and False.
Most people (and tutors) tell students that, if they have no idea on a question, to just guess answer choice “C” — the middle answer on most multiple choice tests. That's fine advice if “C” is equally likely to be correct, which is not the case on the the last 10 questions of the ACT Math section.
What to do if all students fail a test? ›- Break the work into parts.
- Look for place where students made the same mistake and target it.
- Provide a targeted study guide.
- Give a different version of the test.
- Hold a study session for this skill and then re-give the test.
Another drawback of these examinations is that Open book exams have more difficult evaluation standards than memory-based tests. Weak students may perform poorly or averagely on the exam as a result of this.
Is an open book test cheating? ›Unless there is a restriction to prevent this, it is not cheating. This really gets to the heart of the matter - if a professor sets an open-book exam, it is incumbent on the professor to set appropriate questions that cannot be answered without understanding the material.
How can I pass online exams? ›- Check your computer. ...
- Find a good spot to take the test. ...
- Make sure you understand the test guidelines. ...
- If available, take practice exams. ...
- Study. ...
- Practice good time management while taking the test. ...
- Use logic when test taking. ...
- Keep track of time.
Can you pass exam by studying 1 day? ›
With discipline and focus, you can still succeed on your exam with only one day to prepare. While it is always best to prepare for a test at least a week in advance, sometimes life gets in the way. There are a few ways to guarantee your best performance on your test with only one day to study.
Is it better to sleep or study before an exam? ›If you're really flagging during a study session, your learning ability is probably suffering too. A nap was found to improve memory scores on a test in one study, suggesting that a quick sleep could help to refresh your mind and consolidate all that learning.
What should I do 10 minutes before an exam? ›“If you want to reduce your test anxiety, one of the best things to do right before your test is spend 5 to 10 minutes writing down your worries about the test,” says Dr. Wray. “Research shows that this can substantially increase anxious students' test scores.
How do you get 100 on every multiple choice test? ›- Read very carefully. Take the time to carefully read each question and answer choice. ...
- Come up with your own answer. ...
- Look for common types of wrong answers. ...
- Eliminate answers in two rounds. ...
- Do not obsess over your choices. ...
- Manage your time. ...
- Answer every question.
What's the best strategy for taking a multiple-choice test? The standard advice for multiple-choice tests is: if in doubt, stick with your first answer. College students believe it: about 75% agree that changing your first choice will lower your score overall (Kruger et al., 2005).
How do you pass a multiple choice test every time? ›- Begin studying early.
- Read the entire question… CAREFULLY.
- Eliminate what you know is wrong.
- Begin with the questions you know!
- “All of the Above” and “None of the Above”
- When there are seemingly two right answers.
- The more information the better.
- Avoid 'never' or 'always' answers.
Eliminate the highest and lowest options. Certain questions have answers that are closely related or almost identical, except for one detail. This should be your clue to choose one of the two similar answers. The similar choices cannot both be correct, but either of them may be the correct answer.
Is it OK to fail a student? ›Telling students it's okay to fail helps them succeed — study. Telling children that it is perfectly normal to sometimes fail at school can actually help them do better academically, according to newly published research.
Is it OK to fail an exam in college? ›A failed exam can come as a shock but shouldn't define your entire semester. Avoid the temptation to quit a subject or ignore studying because of one bad grade. Use the experience of failing an exam as an opportunity to work on your weaknesses. Remember to stay calm and ask your professor for advice on how to improve.
Why do I fail a test even though I study hard? ›The problem: You procrastinate studying, not leaving yourself enough time to absorb the material before test day. The solution: Create a routine that involves reviewing your notes regularly. Each night, take a few minutes to go over your notes from class.
What should I eat 1 hour before an exam? ›
- Fish for Omega-3s. Omega-3s are excellent brain food for exam preparation, and people most often talk about fatty fish as the top brain food. ...
- Dark fruits and veggies for antioxidants. ...
- Complex carbohydrates. ...
- Quality protein. ...
- Water.
- Use your moments wisely. The few minutes before you switch off the light is a fantastic time for memorisation. ...
- Eat a great meal. Make a special effort to cook yourself a decent meal. ...
- Laugh. ...
- Make sure you wake up. ...
- Know when to stop. ...
- Use the space. ...
- Don't drink too much. ...
- Do what works for you.
Failing a class in college is common. At The Ohio State University, around 10% of undergraduates retake a failed class every year. That means more than 1 in 10 undergrads fail a class (since not every student repeats a failed class).
Why do I keep failing an exam? ›The Three Common Causes of Exam Failure. There are three main ways that students of all ages can sabotage themselves in exams and bed up with an exam results fail: poor exam technique, poor revision and weak understanding of the subject itself. These can all lead to a bad day in the school exam hall.
Is it OK to fail many times? ›Every successful person has faced countless failures:
No matter how skilled you are or how cautious you are, each and every one of us would have to face failure at some point in our life. And that's completely okay.
1. Answer the easy questions first, then the harder ones. Don't get nervous if some questions look unfamiliar. Skip them and return to them later.
Can I Google during open book exam? ›For an online, open-book exam, it is important that you understand what materials you are permitted to access and reference. You may be limited to use of your course notes and textbook, which means you should not access your web browser, social media apps, or messaging platforms during the exam.
Are open book exams easier or harder? ›IMPORTANT NOTE: Open-book exams are NOT easier than closed book exams – oftentimes they are harder. An open-book exam will require you really understand material and be able to apply or analyze information and content rather than just remember it.
Can they tell if you cheat on an online test? ›The short answer is yes. Online exams can detect cheating. Authentication procedures, web monitoring, data forensics, and proctoring (just to name a few) make it hard for examinees to get away with cheating.
Are online tests harder? ›Online and open-book tests can be even worse. There are multiple reasons for this. Firstly, because the test questions tend to be more difficult, not only do you need to spend more time answering them, but any deficiencies in knowledge take disproportionately longer to fill.
Are online exams harder? ›
Online exams aren't necessarily “easier” than written exams.
However, for many students, they feel easier. This is because there is a longer exam window, and they are more accessible. Online exams cater to the abilities of any student, which is why online exams appear easier or more comfortable to sit.
It's entirely possible to study for an exam in just a handful of days. All you need is a solid plan.
How many hours should a student study for an exam? ›For a normal course, 1 hour per subject will be a good strategy, whereas preparation for any competitive exam demands proper management of time and schedule for each day. One should be regular and stick to the schedule made for each day. For competitive exams at least 6-7 hours study is mandatory.
How many hours is enough to study for exam? ›If you have kept a good daily and weekly schedule, 15-20 hours should be about right for a mid-term, 20-30 for a final exam. Major papers take substantially more time and effort.
Should I drink coffee before an exam? ›Taking coffee before an exam also enhances your brain's performance which will help you to reason during the paper. Coffee also boosts your memory, which is important in ensuring you remember key facts, patterns, and other objects that may feature in an exam paper.
Is it better to take an exam in the morning or afternoon? ›That's because early in the day, you're at the height of your cognitive abilities. And new research shows that's also when you're likely to perform best on an exam. While afternoon exams may give students more time to cram (and sleep), researchers found that exams taken later in the day tended to yield lower scores.
Can I sleep 6 hours before exam? ›Get the requisite seven to eight hours of sleep the night before too, to optimize alertness on the test.
Is 5 hours sleep enough before exam? ›Since you are a student you need that sleep for 7-8 hours a day for better concentration and memory and to relax your mind. Try to accommodate workout timings in the evening as it is also essential for healthy living.
What is the best exercise to do before an exam? ›Consider taking some kind of moderately strenuous exercise, such as a brisk walk, in the days leading up to your exam (and even all term), as regular exercise can actually increase the size of the hippocampus. Exercise also decreases pre-exam stress and anxiety, and improves the quality of sleep.
Is it possible to pass an exam without studying? ›If you have an upcoming exam that you have not studied for, then you might be seriously concerned about passing it. While studying well in advance of an exam is the best strategy for success, you may still be able to pass an exam if you did not study.
How do I take a multiple choice test and pass? ›
- Budget your time.
- Attempt to answer the questions in consecutive order.
- Ignore the answer choices.
- Read the question carefully to determine the precise requirement.
- Determine the correct answer before reading the answer choices.
- Read the answer choices carefully.
- Select the best answer.
With discipline and focus, you can still succeed on your exam with only one day to prepare. While it is always best to prepare for a test at least a week in advance, sometimes life gets in the way. There are a few ways to guarantee your best performance on your test with only one day to study.
What is the easiest way to pass exam? ›- Give yourself enough time to study. via GIPHY. ...
- Organize your study space. via GIPHY. ...
- Use flow charts and diagrams. via GIPHY. ...
- Practice on old exams. via GIPHY. ...
- Explain your answers to others. via GIPHY. ...
- Organize study groups with friends. via GIPHY. ...
- Take regular breaks. via GIPHY. ...
- Snack on brain food.
Look for patterns in true or false questions, and go with false if a question includes absolutes, such as "all" or "none." When guessing on multiple choice questions, use processes of elimination, look for grammatical clues and, when in doubt, go with the most detailed choice.
How long should a 50 question multiple choice test take? ›Count the number of short questions and divide the remaining time by the number of questions. So, if there are 50, that would give you just over 1½ minutes per question.
How do I get A+ on all my exams? ›- Never Cram. ...
- Manage your time. ...
- Practice Interlinking Ideas. ...
- Make Diagrams. ...
- Set up your own Mnemonics. ...
- Learn to Visualize. ...
- Retell the Story. ...
- Take notes.
- Know your learning style. ...
- Color code your notes. ...
- Start assignments immediately. ...
- Follow the instructions. ...
- Break tasks down into manageable chunks. ...
- Use technology to help you focus. ...
- Find an environment with few distractions. ...
- Study smart not hard.
Students perform poorly on multiple choice exams for a multiplicity of reasons: lack of understanding of the doctrines being tested, not being “test wise,” poor exam construction, to name just a few. It was necessary to find a way to separate out these different strands.
What are the odds of guessing on a multiple choice test? ›For every question, there are two outcomes: Either you answer correctly or you don't. If you pick a random answer, the probability of guessing the right answer is one out of four, 1/4, or 0.25. Consequently, the probability of guessing wrong is a lot higher at 3/4 or 0.75.
What are the three strategies for getting tests to pass? ›- Study exam materials. ...
- Consider taking a practice test. ...
- Rest the night before the exam. ...
- Arrive early. ...
- Read questions several times before selecting an answer. ...
- Check your exam before submitting it.