5 Strategies for Acing Your Next Test

1. Preparation is key- This one seems obvious...the more prepared you are for a test the less likely you are to feel anxiety about the test. For this reason, you should study early and often.

2. Study in a similar environment- Studying in a similar environment to where you will test will help put your brain at ease on test day. It might also help you retain more information.

3. Answer the easy ones first- Answering the questions you know first will help you build confidence. It also helps you to have more time for the questions you do not know. Skim through your test, and answer the questions that are easy. Then, go back and answer the harder ones. If you find you are getting frustrated or overwhelmed, skip the question and come back to it. Be sure to do a final look through before turning in your exam to ensure all questions have an answer.

4. Figure out the formatting- Ask your instructor if the questions will be essay, multiple choice, true-false, etc... This will allow you to know how to study more effectively.

5. Be nice to yourself- Taking tests affects everyone differently. Be kind to yourself, and remember that one bad test does not define you! Use each test as a learning opportunity.