Page 234 - Keys to College Success

Identify Test Type, Topics, and Study Materials

As the saying goes, forewarned is forearmed. Before you begin studying,
find out about the test. Investigate the following:

■ Types of questions. Will the questions be objective (multiple choice
with only one correct answer, multiple choice with more than one
correct answer, true–false, sentence completion), subjective (essay),
or a combination?
■ Test logistics. What is the date, time, and location of the test? Is it
an in-class or a take-home exam? Will you complete it in person
or online?
■ Supplemental information and tools. Is the test open book (meaning
you can use your class text), open note (meaning you can use any
notes you’ve taken), both, or neither? Can you use a graphing calcu-
lator or any other tool?
■ Value of the test. All tests are not created equal in terms of how they
affect your final course grade. For example, a quiz is generally not
as important as a midterm or final. Plan and prioritize your study
time and energy according to the value of the quiz or test.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that online tests and open-book tests
are easier than traditional tests in the classroom. In reality, the fact that
you have access to resources usually leads instructors to create challeng-
ing tests that require more critical thinking. Prepare as you would for any
other test if you want a successful result.
How can you predict what will be on a test? First, read your syllabus
and talk to your instructor to get a clear idea of the topics that will be
covered and the material (text chapters, readings, lectures, and so on)
that you will be tested on. Furthermore: Part of successful test preparation is knowing
when to stop. To avoid overload, study in
■ Use your textbook. Check features such as summaries, vocabulary shorter segments over a period of time, and
terms, and study questions for clues about what’s important to get the sleep you need before test day.
remember.
■ Listen at review sessions. Many instructors offer review sessions
before midterms and finals. Bring your questions to these sessions and listen to the
questions others ask.
■ Talk to your instructor in person. Spending a few minutes talking about the test
one-on-one may clarify misunderstandings and help you focus on what to study.
■ Get information from people who already took the course. Try to get a sense of
test difficulty, whether tests focus primarily on assigned readings or class notes,
what materials are usually covered, and the types of questions that are asked.
■ Examine old tests, if the instructor makes them available. You may find old tests
in class, online, or on reserve in the library.

Also, your practical thinking skills will help you learn from experience. After tak-
ing the first exam in a course, you will have a better idea of what to expect over the rest
of the term.
Finally, knowing what will be covered on the test; decide what to study.

■ Sort through materials. Go through your notes, texts, related primary sources, and
handouts. Choose what you need to study, and set aside materials you don’t need.
■ Prioritize materials. Arrange your chosen materials in order of priority so that
you focus the bulk of your time on the information you most need to understand.
When you have figured out your topics and materials, time management and goal-
setting skills will allow you to use them to the best of your ability.

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