Testing Dos and Don'ts

Do's

Get plenty of rest, eat and make a bathroom stop before coming for the test.
Call 486-1232 to make an appointment to take your test at least a few days before it is due. Check the Test Center website for closures and hours of operation.
Relax!

Write down important facts and memory joggers first.
Read through all questions quickly, especially essay questions. Let your subconscious do some of the work for you!
Answer the questions you know immediately.
Look for clues in the test to help you answer questions you are not sure of.
On multiple choice questions, elimate the wrong answers, and pick the best one remaining. Do guess if necessary, the right answer is there!
Beware of absolutes: "never, always, only".
Double check arithmetic and algebraic signs. Take care when you copy from your scratch paper to the test paper.
Give yourself positive messages and take deep, slow breathes to relax.
Keep track of time if on a timed test.

Don'ts

Don't procrastinate, take your test as soon as possible after the instructor presents the material and you study it. The fresher it is in your mind, the better your results will be!
Don't drink caffeine if it makes your anxiety level too high.
Don't talk with classmates before a test and spiral all your worry levels up.
Don't bring cell phones or beeping watches!

Don't change your first answer unless you have a very good reason.
Don't leave before your allotted time if you still have questions to answer.
Don't forget to check your work. If taking a Scantron (fill in the circle) test, make sure the answer to each questions are on the correct line.