A.  As you begin:
        *Arrive early (being late increases your pulse, blood pressure and
            respirations, as well as increasing your anxiety)
        *Don't ask other students: "How much did you study for this test?"
            This NEVER helps you!
        *Pay attention to verbal instructions, then scan the whole test--note
            how many points each section is and how much time you will need
            for each section.
        *Don't budget 20% of your time on a part that's only worth 10% of
            the points.
        *Read directions slowly - then reread them.  If confusing, ask about
            them to get clarification.
        *Jot down formulas, equations, facts, etc. in the margins to help you
            remember.

B.  In General:
        *Allow yourself 1 minute to release your panic and tension.
        *Deep breathe, think positive, visualize a "100" on your test paper.
        *Answer the easiest, shortest answer questions first to increase
            your confidence.
        *Next, answer the multiple choice, true/false, and fill in the blank
            questions.  Follow these with the short answer and essay questions.
        *If you get stuck, draw a picture or make a mind map of your notes
            in the margin to jog your memory.  Don't spend too much time on
            any one question.
        *Look for answers in other test questions.
        *Your first instinct is usually best--don't change your answers
            unless you misread a question or find the answer in a later
            question.

C.  Multiple-Choice Questions
        *Answer the stem in your head before you read the choices.
        *Mark questions you can't answer immediately and come back to
            them.
        *Read all the answers before selecting one - two may be similar.
        *Guidelines for guessing on multiple-choice questions:
            ~If 2 answers are similar except for 1 or 2 words, choose one
                of these.
            ~If 2 answers have similar sounding/looking words, choose one
                of these.
            ~If the stem calls for sentence completion, eliminate
                grammatically incorrect answers.
            ~If 2 quantities are almost the same, choose one.
            ~If answers cover a wide numerical range, choose the middle
                of the range.
            ~None of these techniques are meant to take the place of
              studying!

D.  True/False Questions
        *Read carefully-sometimes one word can make it inaccurate.
        *Look for qualifiers--all, most, sometimes, never, rarely are key
            words.
        *If the question contains the words always or never it is usually
            false.

E.  Machine-Graded Tests
        *Make sure the answer you mark corresponds to the question you
            are answering.
        *Do not make any stray marks--try not to erase or change your
            answers.

F.  Open-Book Tests
        *These are almost always the most difficult type of test.
        *Use paper clips to mark appropriate sections.
        *If allowed to use your notes, number them and create a table
            of contents to expedite your use of them during the test.

G.  Short answer/Fill in the Blank Questions
        *Concentrate on key words and facts.
        *Be brief.  When you really know your subject, you can answer these
            quickly.

H.  Essay Questions
        *Find out exactly what the question is asking.
        *Before beginning, make a quick outline.
        *Get to the point--do not use introductory sentences.
        *Can include part of the question in the answer.
        *Write legibly!
        *Be brief.
        *Use a pen--pencils are hard to read unless these are required.
        *Write on one side of the page only.

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