Clinical Quick Reference Monthly / September 2022 / Back to School – 7 Keys to Improve Your Test Scores
Clinical Quick Reference Guides Concept Review/Building Study Skills
It’s that time again! September is here and maybe you have already started a new semester. Soon you will be knee deep in assignments and your first exam will be looming on the horizon.
This month, Clinical Quick Reference Monthly will be focusing on study tips and keys to help you do your best this year.
So, without further ado— let’s review a few tips to improve your test-taking skills.
Key# 1:
PLAN AHEAD,
Don’t wait until the last minute to plan to study.
Don’t wait until the last minute to make preparations to study for an exam. Organize your study efforts ahead of time to reduce the chances of becoming overwhelmed.
A calendar, or planner can help you plan and keep track of study sessions. If you are having difficulty setting priorities, make time to meet with your instructor for suggestions about what topics to focus on. Your instructor may also have some pointers to help you map out your study plan.
Key# 2:
Analyze the questions AND the answers...
Be sure to take a moment to carefully review the question AND each option to answer the question. Slowly read the question to yourself. Use care when selecting your answer, or answers (select all questions).
Check for special circumstances. Examples of “special circumstances” in questions involve wording such as: “NEVER,” “NOT,” and “ALWAYS.” Be on the look out for these key words and answer accordingly.
KEY #3
Practice Makes Perfect!
Take practice tests when offered. Similarly, if you can find practice questions, use those. There are many online and retail resources available that offer free questions and tests on various subjects. These help students prepare for standardized testing and other learners will find assistance in passing their certification and entrance examinations.
By taking practice tests ahead of time, you can help yourself in the future. This will also help lessen test anxiety. You will be better prepared and have a good idea of what to expect on your own exam.
Key# 4:
Find a study guide,
And use it...
Use study guides when they accompany a text book package from your school or college. If one is not readily available, there are many offered through online and standard retailers. A simple internet search will help you choose the right one to suit your needs.
Study guides often have pointers and key interventions in them. These pointers will help focus your studies. They also can help you identify areas of weakness that you may need to review.
KEY #5:
Test Prep Services
Access and utilize a professional test prep service.
These may even be recommended by your school or college. Professional services prepare students for the rigors of standardized testing, while other learners can find assistance preparing for college boards, entrance exams and/or certification testing.
Another positive associated with professional test prep services is their ability to identify areas of weakness the student may need to brush-up on. Some services provide the learner with a complete report, identifying multiple areas of strengths and weaknesses.
Once you know more about where you need to focus your attention, the better you will do overall.
Key# 6:
Don’t Be Afraid Of Tough Questions!
Never, ever shy away from tough questions. Embrace them! Don’t be afraid of answering them, and don’t be afraid of getting them wrong.
While it is important to manage the time you spend studying, working on a few practice questions can certainly help you build and develop your knowledge base.
KEY #7:
Timing Just Might Be Everything!
Pacing And Time Management...
Learning how to pace yourself and manage the time you spend answering test questions could impact your overall performance. While you are taking your exam, be sure to pay attention to timing when answering each question. Be sure not to spend too much time on any one question.
This is why it is a good idea to try a practice exam. When you are working on practice tests, use a timer to monitor how long it generally takes you to complete them.
Start with a sample bank of questions. Time yourself, note how long it takes you to complete all the questions. Then, calculate the amount of time you use on average to answer ONE question. With some practice you will be able to pace yourself. A college tutor can help you with this. You will find this is an important way to help you reduce test anxiety and prepare you for more difficult exams.
One of the key factors in doing well is for you to not go off track. You want to remain focused on the task of taking the exam and not spend too much time answering any one question. Spending too much time on a single question can cause you to do poorly overall.
With a little practice, the proper tools, and a lot of hard work, you will succeed in your program of study. Hit the subscribe button to follow us and discover more free prep and study guides. Remember to remain task oriented, stay on track, and don’t let one question throw you!