Test Preparation Tips

• Ask your tutor and get familiar with the test and the pattern/ what is on the test.
• If possible, talk to someone who has taken the test earlier.
• Identify the topics you have to cover and the importance of each topic as per the exam objectives.
• Scoring high on tests is as much about test taking strategies as it is about studying the subject.

• Collect and file all your practice papers/texts/lecture notes, etc.
• Identify all other materials you would be tested on: formulas/ assignments/ information.
• Make a note of all the formulas/ ideas to refer and revise them often so that you can retain the key concepts that will be on the test.

• Take mock tests/assessment tests to identify the areas that need attention during study.
• Based on your scores in the pre assessment test, plan how much time you would spend on the areas for improvement.
• Ask yourself:  Will I require tutoring help to understand any of these topics?
• If yes, get it!

• See how much time is available.
• Plan your time realistically.
• Prepare a schedule which shows you the topics and the time you allot for each; also, it should show how much you will study daily.
• List topics which need to be studied concurrently and those that can be studied independently.
• Allocate time for difficult topics early in your preparation.
• Intersperse easy topics with difficult ones to make learning easy.
• Give priority to topics that are given more weightage in the exam.

• Study each topic systematically by preparing your own notes and discussing the material with your fellow students.
• Your summary notes should consist of main ideas and ‘to remember’ list; highlight all key terms and map the relationship between various ideas, which you can use while revising.
• Work on the exercises and any homework assignments that you have worked earlier.  Make sure that you are able to do them independently.  Get tutoring help to make you independent in problem solving.

• Recall all concepts and key ideas tested on the exam.
• Revise the summary notes you have prepared during your study.
• Take a post assessment after your revision and compare improvement with scores on pre assessment tests

• Take two or more practice tests under the real exam conditions and time limits to test your progress and to build your confidence.  Remember successful test takers take more practice tests.
• Allow some time to relax before the exam. This will help you stay fresh and focused during the exam.
• Eat well but avoid heavy food on the exam day.
• If it is close to the examination, and if you are still not thorough with the entire course material, do not panic.  Just revise what is familiar and you will do well in the examination.