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Taking a test is probably one of the most important things that you’ll do in a math class, so it’s important to do the best that you can. Here are some ideas that will help you while you’re taking a test.
RELAX!!!
This is the first step to successfully taking a test. It can also be one of the hardest things to do. The more worked up and nervous you are during the test the more likely you are to forget something or blank out. The worst thing that you can do in a test is panic.
Arrive Early
Arrive in plenty of time so you can relax a moment before the test begins.
Write it Down
When you first receive the test, write down any formulas or definitions you had to memorize. Then you will have them available before the pressure of solving problems has driven them out of your head! (plus it will immediately free up some brain power for the rest of your test.)
Look it Over First
Before you begin, look over the entire test. You’ll get a sense of its length. Try to identify those problems you definitely know how to do right away, and those you expect to have to think about.
Go Out of Order
You do not always have to start on question #1. Do the problems in the order that suits you. Start with the problems that you know for sure you can do. This builds confidence and means you don't miss any sure points just because you run out of time. Then try the problems you think you can figure out; then finally try the ones you are least sure about.
Prioritize
You should go over the test three times. First, go over the test and work all the problems that you KNOW you can do. Second, work all the problems that you think you can do, but aren’t sure. Last, go back and work the remaining problems. In this way you will get all the points that you know you can get.
Work Carefully
Don’t lose points through careless errors. Check each step as you go and make sure that it really follows correctly from the previous step. Watch for things like dropped negative signs or missed exponents.
Don’t Get Hung Up on One Problem
Watch the clock. Don’t spend a huge amount of time trying to get the points for one problem! If you spend too much time trying to get the points for one problem, you may not be able to finish the exam and lose more points than you gained by taking all that time for that one problem.
If You're Stuck, Move On
If you find that you’re stuck on a problem, move on to a different problem and come back later to finish the problem. Don’t waste time trying to get 10 points and then not be able to finish and miss 20 points because you ran out of time. (This is really the same as the previous tip, but it was important enough to make again and in a different way.)
Never Leave a Problem Blank
Never leave a problem blank (unless you are told to). Even if you don’t know how to finish the problem, write down as much as you do know. The teacher can only give partial credit if there is something written down for the problem. Writing something down is not a guarantee of partial credit, but not writing anything down is a guarantee of no partial credit!
Multiple Choice Questions
After reading the question, try to think of the correct answer BEFORE you read your options. Sometimes looking at the answers first will sway you in the wrong direction.
Ignore People who Finish Early
When someone finishes their test has no effect on your grade. Do not allow their speed to affect your feelings about your ability.
Does your Answer Make Sense?
Make sure you’ve gotten an answer that makes sense given the context of the problem.
Recheck your Work
If time permits, go back over the test and check every problem.
Take All the Time Available!
Many students like to finish a test early, for a variety of reasons, but finishing early is usually a mistake. Use that extra time to go back over your work. Only after you’re certain that you’re turning in your best work should you turn your test in.
Write Neatly
Perhaps you wrote a “9,” but later you read the digit as a “4.” That will obviously lead to a mistake.
Show all your work clearly and in order: Make it as easy as possible for the teacher to see how much you know. Try to write a well-reasoned solution. If your answer is incorrect, the teacher may give partial credit based on the work you show. Don’t leave it to the teacher to read your mind trying to figure out if you knew what you were doing or not.
This is also helpful to you – showing all the steps makes it easier for you to check your work as you go along. It’s really easy to forget a negative sign or make some other careless mistake if you’re writing down one step out of three. If you write down all the steps, one after the other, you are more likely to get each one right the first time and more likely to find any mistakes when you go back and check your work.
Showing your work is a good strategy for grading. Most teachers won’t give full credit for a bare answer unless the problem was really simple. And if you’ve made some truly minor error (like adding 2 and 3 and getting 6), if your work is clear most teachers will give you substantial partial credit.
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