How to Pass Your Tests

So, you’ve got a test coming up soon. You’ve done the best you can to prepare. Now what do you do?

I’ve had a lot of practice giving day-before-the-test advice. Here’s what I tell my students:

The day before the test

• Study, study, study.
• Eat a good, healthy dinner.
• Spend at least 20 minutes relaxing the night before.
• Get enough sleep! Get to bed as early as you realistically can.

The morning of:

• Eat a good, healthy breakfast.
• Drink water and use the restroom before you get to class - even if the test is online! Take care of yourself physically and minimize possible distractions. Wear warm clothes if you need to.
• Get to class nice and early to ask questions and settle in. If your class is online, connect as early as you can.
• Make sure you understand the format of the test, whether you’re allowed to use a calculator, anything peculiar about how it works, etc.

During the test:

• First and foremost, do your best! I’ve seen so many students leave points on the table because they gave up or didn’t give it their all.
• It’s natural to think about your grade, but do your best to focus on answering questions and solving problems.
• Pick the easiest questions and do them first.
• Manage your time! If something’s taking too long, come back to it later.
• Read instructions carefully. In word problems, read the prompting question carefully.
• Show your work! Showing your thinking and reading the questions carefully can help your grade significantly.
• Check your work when you’re done. If you’re really not sure whether or not to change an answer, leave it.

Good luck, and have fun on your next test! (I know, I know. But it’s possible, I swear!)

And if you want help preparing for your next test, a tutor can go a long way. If you’d like help, contact me to find out more or book a session.