A Series from the UConn School of Business
Ace Your (Virtual) 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.

You've got this.
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:
Taking The Test
Tech Check In

Ensure your computer is fully charged and your internet connection is steady

Check Test Parameters:

  • When is the test given?
  • How long do you have to complete the test?
  • Can you leave the test page once you start it?
  • Can you skip questions and return to them later?
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 your essay

  • 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
Coping With Test Anxiety
Listen to The LAUNCH Podcast
If you aren't sure where to get started when pulling academic resources for a paper or seeking supplemental resources to study for a test, connect with the business librarian!

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

Email ruth.morris@uconn.edu.