by Bernadette Jasmin

Created on: January 24, 2005   Last Updated: February 07, 2007

When preparing for a test the individual must first have certain information in order to prepare most efficiently. A person needs to know the guidelines of the test. It is pointless to prepare for something that you will not be tested on. It is a waste of energy. Also depending on the test there are certain types of questions that will be asked. For example, I have taken several test for teaching. I brushed up first on the style of questions that would be asked.

I was fortunate to find a manual that showed different ways of attacking different questions. Some test are timed and it is fruitless to waste time reading information that will be useless. For example, a friend told me that on these test she first read the questions than went with the passages. This was very helpful advice. By reading the questions ahead of time my mind was already focused on the specifics and I did not waste time on useless info.

Second, this may sound moronic, but it is good to pace yourself. Do not start studying the night before and expect the answers to stick for long. The next thing is that if you understand something already try to focus on what you don't know and brush up on the thing you know already.

Also, it is good to create examples and test questions to practice first. For
example I was in a class that I knew would be testing in essay format. I created sample questions myself and actually answered them to get a feel for what the real test would be like. As a result of using this technique when I arrived at the test, there were very similar questions and I had already formulated test essays that were easily recalled and got an A. The fear of essays was also eliminated.

These are just some short tips that can help when preparing for an exam. Having these things under control helps to manage the fear.

Learn more about this author, Bernadette Jasmin.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.