Stages to successful test taking
Test preparation starts not the night before the test when you’re pulling out your book — not even the week before the test when you start creating outlines and note cards. At your first encounter with new material, your preliminary activities will shape your exam preparation.
Five-day study plan
Reduce those long nights and late-night caffeine highs with this five-day study plan. Spreading out your review over a few days won’t only help your health — you’ll actually remember more and feel more prepared.
Test Stress
Have trouble keeping your cool when it comes to exams? This guide will help you learn to stay calm and focused during your exams.
Active study strategies
Explore strategies to help you increase the amount you remember and help you better understand new information.
Test preparation links
Follow these links for resources on test preparation. Each of these sites offers learning resources appropriate for college-level learners. Please note that neither SPU nor the Center for Learning is responsible for content on the following pages.
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Six steps for basic review leading up to a test, and a seven-day study plan.
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Ten useful tips for before and during the test. This comprehensive site also provides links to explain complex suggestions.
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RAINS: A mnemonic to help you read directions and questions carefully.
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SPORT: A mnemonic to help you remember what you studied when taking a test.
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We know that sometimes you just need to cram. Here’s how to do it most effectively.
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Test anxiety links
Follow these links for resources on test anxiety. Each of these sites offers learning resources appropriate for college-level learners. Please note that neither SPU nor the Center for Learning is responsible for content on the following pages.
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Methods for managing anxiety: Things to do before an exam, the day of an exam, during an exam, and after an exam.
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BRAVE: Mnemonic device to help you overcome nervousness when taking a test.
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FLEAS: A mnemonic to help with completing tests on time.
Objective test links (i.e., multiple-choice, true/false, and short-answer)
Follow these links for resources on objective tests. Each of these sites offers learning resources appropriate for college-level learners. Please note that neither SPU nor the Center for Learning is responsible for content on the following pages.
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CRAM: A mnemonic devise to help with multiple-choice tests.
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Eight well-organized tips about preparing for and taking multiple-choice tests.
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SQUID: A mnemonic to help with true/false tests.
Essay Test Links
Follow these links for resources on essay tests. Each of these sites offers learning resources appropriate for college-level learners. Please note that neither SPU nor the Center for Learning is responsible for content on the following pages.
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A comprehensive guide to preparing for an essay exam with explanations of key question terms.
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A comprehensive guide to preparing for an essay exam complete with practice questions.
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RULE - WE: A mnemonic to help you with essay tests.