Good Morning ! Check Out this Week's Academic Resources from the School of Business

Ace Your Tests!

Welcome to midterm exam season! This might feel like a hectic time with multiple exams within a week (or even a day). The good news - we've curated a list of strategies and resources to help you elevate your study skills to the next level, and feel less anxious while waiting for a test to begin.

Prep Before A Test: Strategizing your studying can make a big difference on your exam performance so it is important to try different approaches to see what works for you.

Take The Test: Students will often have different strengths in tests which is why you can learn a lot of techniques to make things easier when possible.

Cope With Test Anxiety: It is very common to feel uneasy before, during, and after exams but the important thing is to try and learn how to manage these feelings so they do not affect performance.

You've got this!

Prep Before A Test

Know The Five Ws (+H) For Your Test

Who should you connect with before and after this exam?
What is this exam covering and what materials you should review?
Why is this exam important?
When is this exam scheduled and is it being timed?
Where is this exam being offered and is your space/computer ready?
How early should you start preparing for this exam?

Study Strategically

Plan Your Study Time - be aware of how much you are trying to study and how long you should devote to reviews:
Schedule studying like an assignment - create deadlines for yourself during your week
Do your best to create a distraction free environment
Map out a study approach like this UConn 5 Day Planner

Organize and Create Materials - use creative ways to review class information instead of rereading the book such as:
Outlines
Flash Cards
Practice Tests

Have a Strategy To Prepare - work with your faculty to learn what kinds of questions will be on the test (i.e. multiple choice, essay, etc.) and then practice your learned material in those formats:

10 Ways To Ace A Test

Use Quizlet to Study

Take The Test

Test Fact Check In

Ensure you have all materials ready whether the exam is in person or virtual

Check Test Parameters:

When is the test given?
How long do you have to complete the test?
Are you permitted to use a book, outline, or notecard?
Where is the test being given?

If you aren't sure: make time to connect with your instructor prior!

Best Practices

Tips: Multiple Choice

Read the entire question first and then try to answer the question without looking at the choices

When you encounter a question you’re unsure about, write the number down and return to it later

Eliminate wrong or unlikely answers - you increase your chances of choosing the correct answer

Tips: Essay Questions

"Dump" all the information you learned that feels relevant to the question so you can incorporate those quick notes throughout

Formulate a thesis and supporting bullet points to help provide structure from the start

Save a few minutes at the end to read your essay to ensure it answers the question

How Do I Prepare For Other Kinds of Test Questions?

Cope With Test Anxiety

Feelings of anxiety, stress, and worry are very common before taking an exam, Remember that taking care of yourself prior to the exam is just as important as your preparations and studying.

Getting a good night sleep, having healthy meals, and trying to have a positive mindset will all help you ability to retain information and focus.

Questions? Do you have a suggestion for academic resources that will help students while engaging in learning?

Email laila.chaoui@uconn.edu.