Today, I'll pick up where I left off Tuesday...

During the test

1. Read the directions. I know, you’ve heard this a zillion times, but you’d be amazed at how many students don’t do this or do it half-heartedly and end up on completely the wrong track. Don’t squander all that hard work you did preparing for the test only to blow it by writing about the wrong topic.
2. Do the easy parts first. Get as many surefire points as possible while you can.  Then, go on to the more difficult questions.
3. Review your answers. Budget your time to give yourself a few minutes to go over your answers and make sure you’ve done your best. Change any incorrect answers, but be careful not to second-guess yourself.
4. Proofread your essays. Check your spelling, grammar, usage, and punctuation.  OMG, no text-messaging shorthand allowed. LOL.

After the test 

1. Debrief. Review your study and test prep strategies. What worked? What didn’t? 
2. Make necessary improvements. Be honest with yourself. Did you give yourself enough time? Get help when you needed it? Make up missed class work? Ask questions in class when you needed to? Don’t be shy. Teachers can’t read your mind. Really.

Test-taking will never be as much fun as hanging out with friends or indulging your favorite pastimes, but it doesn’t have to be torture, either. Remember, you’re in control of your mind and what you use it for. Don’t let a little test convince you otherwise!

For the first part of my test tips post, click here.