Familiarization also breeds organization, allowing you to concentrate
on the test itself and not on its structure. This gives you more time
to actually takethe test rather than figure it out. It also reduces the
effect of whatever time restraints the test imposes on you.
Last but not least, taking practice tests is a highly effective way to
study and remember the material.
Test-Day Rules and Reminders
If the test is not simply during a regular class period, make sure
to arrive at the test site early. Based on your preferences (from
Chapter 2), sit where you like.
Be careful, however. There may be some variations you have to take
into account. In a test where there are 200 or 300 people in a room,
there is a distinct advantage to sitting up front: You can hear the
instructions and the answers to questions better, and you generally
get the test first (and turn it in last).
Take the Time to Skim the Test
If you have permission to go all the way through it, do so before
you even start testing. Give yourself an overview of what lies ahead.
That way you can spot the easier sections and get an idea of the point
values assigned to each section.
I know students who look through the entire test and break it down
into time segments before they read any question or write a single
answer—allocating 20 minutes for section one, 40 for section two,
and so forth. Even on multiple-choice tests, they count the total
number of questions, divide by the time allotted, and set “goals” on
what time they should reach question 10, question 25, and so on.
186 How to Study