By Tabitha Redder and Brittani Turner
Don’t panic was the advice speakers gave South students on Nov. 29 in How to Take a Test and Pass.
“If you’ve studied and prepared, you’re going to do better than you think you will,” student activities office assistant Bailey Green said.
Green and Jasmine Tuya, South student activities administrative assistant, shared a seven-step system for success including participating in study groups, making flash cards, teaching others information to gain confidence and making affirmations with students. They also passed out Scantrons to use for finals.
Preparing to pass exams is not limited to studying, Tuya said. It requires a mental process as well.
“Get to class early, come prepared and take deep breaths to relieve the anxiety,” she said. “Starting your exam relaxed helps you think clearly when evaluating your choices.”
Green told students not to procrastinate.
“Start working within two minutes of receiving the test so you don’t overwhelm yourself with the amount of questions,” she said.
Students were also advised to be cautious of directions when taking a test. The speakers recommended reading instructions thoroughly, underlining each of the parts within the question and noting any special requirements.
“If your teacher only wants you to write on the two pieces of paper provided, make sure you fit everything onto those two pages,” Tuya said.
It’s unrealistic to think that test-takers will know every single question on every single test. Students can use the abandon method when they have no idea what the answer is to a specific question, Tuya said.
“Leave an indicator next to the question on both your test and Scantron, so when you review your test, you won’t miss it,” she said.
Once the test is completed and students have time to look over the answers that were abandoned, they can us the Ace method.
“Ace consists of avoiding choosing answers containing absolute words such as ‘most’ and ‘always,’ choosing the longest and most detailed answer and eliminating similar answer choices,” Tuya said.
Tuya gave examples from her own college experience of struggling to overcome anxiety. Even after studying information and knowing it, anxiety can still result in a failed exam, she said.
Lack of confidence is one of the main reasons students do not successfully take tests, Tuya said.
Therefore, she said, gaining confidence through support from peers is important. Throughout the semester, students should follow campus events that help them connect with other students, she said.
Green said testing is more than just accumulating knowledge and applying it to paper.
“Not only do you have to adequately prepare, you also have to have the confidence to do well in order to succeed,” she said.
