Quizzes, tests, and exams – they may not be your favorite things about school, but they’re certainly unavoidable.

At Ohio Business College, we understand that tests can be nerve-racking. To help you boost your test success and feel confident in your test-taking abilities, we’ve outlined ten test-taking strategies you can utilize:

Before the test:

1. Attend class regularly and take detailed notes.

The first step to boosting your test success and receiving good grades is to attend class regularly and take detailed notes. Capture class lectures using the note-taking method that suits you best: writing, typing, or digitally recording.

In your note-taking efforts, be sure to jot down key terms, processes, and ideas, and don’t forget to draw diagrams and charts that are imperative to what you’re learning.

2. Go to review and study sessions.

Don’t wait until the night before a test to start studying. Procrastinating and cramming are two major factors that contribute to poor grades and test-taking anxiety.

Spread out your study efforts days and weeks before a test. If your instructor is hosting a review or study session, be sure to attend. This will give you additional time with your instructor to ask questions and study.

3. Form a study group.

One of the most effective ways to prepare for a test is to form a study group with hard-working classmates.

Assign partners in your study group and teach each other class material. An article on Time.com calls this the Protégé Effect, stating that “teaching someone else is the best way to learn.”

4. Ask your professor about the test’s format.

Will the test be all multiple choice? True or false? Fill-in-the-blank? Essay? Or will the test have a combination of these question types? Gathering this information will help you prepare by knowing what to expect.

5. Get a good night’s sleep.

For maximum concentration and memory recall, rest is essential. Getting a solid night’s sleep the week leading up to the test – especially the night before – will have you feeling awake, alert, and ready.

6. Eat a good meal.

Along with being rested, your body needs healthy nutrients to give you energy. Eat a healthy dinner the night before the test, and make sure you eat a nutritious breakfast and/or lunch the day of the test.

7. Arrive early.

Get to class early the day of a test to calm your mind, relax, and form positive thoughts.

During the test:

8. Carefully read test directions.

To ensure you’re correctly interpreting and answering the questions, be sure to take a moment and read the directions carefully.

9. Review your answers.

Before you turn in your test, briefly review every question. If you forgot to answer any questions, or you realized you answered a question incorrectly, this extra step will allow you to fix a question before it is graded.

10. Keep a positive attitude.

Perhaps the most valuable strategy is to keep a positive attitude. A positive attitude can help you approach your test with confidence, stay relaxed during the test, and ease any uncertainties and anxieties.

Take control of your academic success by using these test-taking strategies. We believe in you!