by Dawn Marcotte

Created on: August 10, 2010

Test scores become more important in high school than they were in earlier grades. Tests such as the ACT or SAT can determine the future of a student. Tests in the classroom can determine if a student passes or fails the class and ultimately if they graduate. Preparing for an important test begins the first day of school and continues right up to answering the first question.

Knowlege Preparation

Tests may be scheduled or pop quizes and the best way to be prepared is to keep up with the work in the class. Homework should be completed as assigned. Review any errors with the teacher, a parent or a tutor as necessary to ensure that you understand the subject completely. Some subjects may required additional learning tools to remember the information. Flash cards can be used for vocabulary in science or math classes. Mnemonics can be used in a variety of classes to help students remember a specific fact. or date  An example is the phrase "Kitty Put Cat litter in Fido's Ground Steak" which can be used to remember the scientific classifications of Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Family, Genus and species. Some facts can be put to music to help remember them. A widely known example are the Schoolhouse Rock cartoons of the 1970's.  Study with friends or a partner and help each other learn the material. Sometimes the act of having to explain something to another person will help you learn it better yourself.

When a test is scheduled review all of the material the night before and concentrate on any items you aren't sure of. Have someone drill you on facts by asking possible test questions. Trying to cram information into your brain at the last minute is not the most effective way of studying for a test.

Physical Preparation

Make sure you have a good night's sleep before an important test. The mind functions better when fully rested. Eat a healthy breakfast so your body can focus on thinking and you are not distracted with hunger. Avoid drinking pop or coffee right before the test as the caffeine may cause your body to become agitated and prevent you from focusing on the  test. Take a few deep breaths before beginning to help focus on the subject.

Taking the Test

Many students have trouble with tests because they are nervous about being timed or don't feel they know the material. Learning a few test taking techniques can help anyone do better on a test. In high school most tests are still multiple choice to allow the teachers to more easily make corrections.

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