How Can I Perform Better On Tests?
Test-Taking Tips
Taken from: Mosby's Tour Guide to Nursing School by Melodie Chenevert, RN, BSN, MN, MA


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Begin studying for a specific test two or three weeks in advance. Remember these words: READ - WRITE - REVIEW - RECITE. As you read, write! Don't just underline. Jot down the main facts, names, dates, ideas, and relationships. Put everything in your own words. If you can do that, you understand it. If you understand it, you can remember it. Review what you've written. Condense your notes. Reread them as often as possible. Close your text or notebook and recite what you have learned.

Most students find it helpful to study for tests with a partner or a small group. You often discover things you may have overlooked or underemphasized. When you coach other students, you gain a better grasp of the material yourself.

During the Test
Listen carefully to oral instructions. Ask for clarification if confused. Read written instructions carefully. Take time to work through any sample questions provided. It will save you time in the long run.
Skim the entire test. How many questions are there? How much time can you allow for each? Are the questions weighted differently? For example, 100 multiple-choice questions may be worth only 40 percent of the grade, the matching section worth 10 percent, and the two essay questions worth 50 percent. Divide your time accordingly.
Tips for Multiple-Choice Items
Read directions carefully.
Work quickly. Put a star or checkmark by questions you want to return to later if you have time.
Formulate your own answer before you read the answers given.
Read every given answer.
Eliminate implausible answers.
Watch for absolutes and qualifiers. Answers containing "always," "never," "all," or "none" are usually incorrect.
In many nursing exams, multiple-choice questions will be related to rather lengthy case studies. To avoid delays caused by rereading, scan all questions before reading the case study. Then your eyes will be more attuned to the important information.
Tips for True-False Items
The longer the T-F statement, the more likely it is to be TRUE.
There are usually more TRUE statements because they are easier to write.
Most statements come verbatim from text or lecture. If it looks familiar, play your hunch.
Statements containing "all," "only," "always," or "because" are usually FALSE.
Statements containing "none," "generally," or "usually" are more often TRUE.
If the statement is long or complicated, break it into smaller parts. Remember, if one part is false, the whole statement is FALSE.
Don't change answers. On T-F items your first impression is usually correct.
Tips for Matching Items
Check to see whether answers are used only once or more than once.
Do easy matches first.
Work down the column with the longest phrases.
Look for patterns: dates-events, terms-definitions, people-contributions.
Tips for Short Answer and Fill-in-the-Blank Items
Look for clues in language and sentence construction.
The length of the blank usually indicates the length of the answer desired.
If you know two possible answers, give both. You will rarely be penalized, and you may get extra credit.
Make an educated guess. Don't leave anything blank.
Tips for Mathematical Items
Read each question very carefully. Write down the givens, what you are expected to find, and any formulas you plan to use.
Estimate the answer before doing calculations so you'll know whether you're close or far afield.
Write legibly, and keep numbers in distinct columns.
Copy accurately.
Check units of measure ? ounces, drams, millimeters.
Use a calculator and any other helps permitted.
If abstractions confuse you, substitute simple numbers for symbols.
Check math by working the problem backwards.
If the answer is in multiple-choice form and you haven't the foggiest idea, you can usually eliminate the highest and the lowest answers given.
Tips for Essay Items
When offered a choice of essay questions, read all of them before deciding which to tackle.
Beside each question, quickly list the facts and ideas that pop into your head.
Budget your time. Spend 50 percent outlining the answer and 50 percent writing it.
Know who will be grading the exam. If it will be scored by a teaching assistant, forgo fancy writing and stuff every name, date, fact, idea, and key phrase you can remember into the answer.