This document provides exam strategies and tips for student success. It discusses preparing for exams by starting to review early, attending all classes, and getting good sleep. It offers techniques for studying like note cards, rewriting notes, quizzing oneself, and highlighting. During exams, the document advises reading directions carefully, skipping and returning to difficult questions, and sticking with first answers. It also provides tips for specific exam types like true/false, multiple choice, essay, and matching questions. The document concludes by discussing managing stress and taking test-taking hints like eating well, not cramming, relaxing, and rechecking answers.

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Exam Strategies
Student Success Center
Gannon University

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Exam Strategies
Pre-test
 Preparation starts when you begin the course
What kind of exam?
What can you bring/not bring to exam?
Start reviewing early – good study habits
 Lecture notes, readings, charts, graphs, problems
GO to ALL classes – take notes
Try to get a good nights sleep before the exam

3. Study Habits
Attitude
Good time management - Prioritize
The right environment
Learning styles
Auditory
Visual
Tactile
Kinesthetic
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4. Study Techniques
Note cards
Rewriting notes
Self tests or quizzes
Talking out loud
Highlighting
Mind mapping
Rereading
Mnemonics
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5. Exam Strategies
Test Time
Relax and have confidence
Review exam – Read directions
Look at point value of questions
Leave nothing blank
If confused about question – skip and see if there are clues in other
areas of exam
Circle key words in difficult questions
GO with you first answer!!!
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6. Exam Strategies
True/False
Watch for limited terms/qualifiers
 All, none, never, always, etc…with these qualifiers is must be true all the time,
many times this will lead to false answers
 Usually, sometimes, and generally…if the statement can be considered true or
false depending on circumstances, usually lead to a true answer.
If any part of the question is false, the answer is false
If there is a long sentence set off by punctuation, make sure that all
parts are “true” or “false”
Make your best guess – if there is no penalty
 50-50 shot
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7. Exam Strategies
Multiple Choice
Read the question before you look at the answer
 Come up with own answer first
Eliminate wrong answers
Read all choices
Know if you are penalized for guessing
Answer easiest questions first
Circle key words i.e. “false”
Budget the amount of time you have with the number of questions
Reread exam if time allows
Stick with your first answer!
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8. Exam Strategies
Essay
Read directions carefully (i.e. answer 1 of 3)
 Understand what is being asked
• Compare, contrast, list, criticize
Write down key words or an outline
Budget your time (weighted questions)
 Proofread if time permits
Focus on main ideas
Have a strong opening/conclusion sentences & clear transitions
If unsure about question check with instructor before answering
question
Be neat
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9. Exam Strategies
Essay key words
Analyze
Compare
Contrast
Define
Describe
Evaluate
Examples
Explain
Interpret
Essay key words
Justify
List
Outline
Prove
Relate
Review
Summarize
Trace
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10. Exam Strategies
Matching
Look at both columns first
Observe how they relate
Match the items you are positive about first then go back and make
the best educated choices
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11. Exam Strategies
Online Exams
Take exam where there will be no distractions
Find out ahead of time if there are any constraints (i.e. time limit)
Have paper available next to you
Be careful about browsing back and forth
SAVE ANSWERS!
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12. Exam Strategies
Post test
Review exam before you hand it in
 Look for careless mistakes
 Fill in all the blanks
Review exam when you receive it back
 Check points
 What questions did you miss and why
 Read over professors feedback
 Check where questions came from
 Review how you studied and if changes need to be made
 Keep tests if allowed
 Talk with professor
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13. Stress
Stress
Natural
Without stress individuals would not be motivated, alert or driven
Bad reaction
 Distressed
 Overreact
 Physical problems
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Bad habits – drinking, drugs, overeating
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14. Stress
Managing Stress
Relax
If you believe you are stressed----you are
Get organized and prioritize
Think positively – don’t panic
Avoid excuses
Take “you” time
Surround yourself with positive people
If stress persists get help
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15. Summary
Test Taking Hints
Eat Well
NO Cramming
Relax
Arrive to class early
Read and follow directions
Skim over questions
Circle key words
Use memory devices
Recheck answers
Know ALL material
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16. Resources
Study Skills Assessment
http://www.studygs.net/attmot4.htm
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