Preparing for Success: A Guide to Achieving Optimal Exam Scores

With the fourth quarter nearing, final exams are quickly approaching. As this can be a time of stress for many, much worry can be alleviated with the proper preparation and test-taking techniques. There are a few essential thoughts to remember during this test-taking season that will set you up for success!

Long Term Studying

According to Harvard Summer School, it is imperative to spread out the studying over the course of at least a few weeks. While keeping up with classwork assignments is important, the start of the fourth quarter is also a great time to create a study plan that incorporates exam preparation into your regular schedule. 

A beneficial method for long-term studying is to study by unit. For example, this week, you will review all of units 1-3; next week, you will go through units 4-6. The ultimate goal of your study plan should be to promote daily review and gain exposure to each topic that will appear on the exam. 

Additionally, a simple way to supplement the unit-by-unit review can be using test prep books, such as Barron's and Princeton Review, which can be found at local bookstores or on Amazon. As well as breaking up the topic by unit, these books include practice tests and other extra resources.

Mindset

Scientists at Stanford University have discovered a brain pathway that links a positive mindset with achievement. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a positive mindset leading up to final exams. 

One way to do this is to choose an activity you enjoy, such as nature walks, and use this to center yourself. Anytime you feel overwhelmed, you will partake in the activity to redirect and calm your mind. 

Another method to maintain a positive mindset is to get in the habit of replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. For instance, if you think, "I'm going to fail," you should immediately replace that thought with, "I'm going to succeed." 

The Night Before and Morning of the Exam

The actions you take in the 24 hours leading up to the test are pivotal in determining your level of success. 

Gathering all of your supplies the night before will allow you to sleep at ease, knowing that you are physically prepared for the next day. Additionally, it will eliminate a sense of rush in the morning, which can evolve into stress and negatively impact your performance. 

A good night's sleep is also critical. Though some may desire to stay up late to get in some last-minute review, sleep is more beneficial and will restore and prepare your mind for the upcoming day.

Lastly, on the morning of the test, it is important to eat a nutritious breakfast, such as eggs, yogurt, or oatmeal. Eating a solid breakfast will provide energy, help you stay focussed, and avoid hunger during the test-taking period. 

During the Test

According to Harvard University, there are some steps to follow during an exam to achieve optimal scores. 

This process begins with listening closely to the proctor's instructions and ensuring you understand what will happen when the timer starts. As the test begins, it can be helpful to take a few minutes to "brain dump" and write down everything that comes to mind that might be useful throughout the test. 

As you go through the test, if there are questions that you are stuck on, skip them and come back later to ensure that you have enough time. However, if you skip questions, be sure that you revisit them and fill in an answer even if you need more clarification, especially if the test doesn't count wrong answers against your score. 

Additionally, there may be moments where you feel overwhelmed. In those moments, it is crucial to stop and take a deep breath, relax your muscles, and think of something positive to find calm. 

Lastly, if you answer all the questions but still have time remaining, defy the urge to close your packet and lay your head down. Review your answers to ensure that you completed everything thoroughly and to the best of your ability.

Through the busyness and pressure of test season, it is vital to strive for your best, but also remember that test scores don't define you. By following the above techniques concerning studying and test-taking strategies, an optimal test score will likely be in your future.