Five Simple Strategies to Five Simple Strategies to Improve Test PerformanceImprove Test Performance

Dr. David RossDr. David Ross

CLC Counseling CenterCLC Counseling Center

Develop a Plan of ActionDevelop a Plan of Action

Don’t “dive” into a test, make a plan.Don’t “dive” into a test, make a plan.Look through entire test, estimate time Look through entire test, estimate time

needed for each section.needed for each section. Invest adequate time in the sections that Invest adequate time in the sections that

have the most points.have the most points.

Look for Key WordsLook for Key Words

Find words that can change the meaning.Find words that can change the meaning.Words like: Words like: sometimes, always, usually, sometimes, always, usually,

may, discuss, contrast, except, etc.may, discuss, contrast, except, etc.Take your pencil and Take your pencil and underline underline them. Drag them. Drag

along a piece of paper if you cannot along a piece of paper if you cannot underline.underline.

This will slow you down and force you to This will slow you down and force you to read carefully.read carefully.

Develop a Skipping StrategyDevelop a Skipping Strategy

We waste time struggling over one item.We waste time struggling over one item.You want to first answer all the ones you You want to first answer all the ones you

know.know. Immediately skip the ones you don’t know.Immediately skip the ones you don’t know.After going through the entire test, then go After going through the entire test, then go

back to the ones you skipped, you will back to the ones you skipped, you will have time to work on them.have time to work on them.

Change answers only if strong reasons.Change answers only if strong reasons.

Outline Essay QuestionsOutline Essay Questions

Before you start make a brief outline.Before you start make a brief outline. It will focus your thinking and actually save It will focus your thinking and actually save

time because you write efficiently.time because you write efficiently. It leaves a positive impression on the It leaves a positive impression on the

teacher grading the essay.teacher grading the essay.

Prepare Practice TestsPrepare Practice Tests

It gives you a “dress rehearsal”, reducing It gives you a “dress rehearsal”, reducing anxiety.anxiety.

Use Chapter reviews or study guides for Use Chapter reviews or study guides for sample questions.sample questions.

Even better, write your own questions.Even better, write your own questions.Try doing questions fast to simulate actual Try doing questions fast to simulate actual

testing experience.testing experience.