Before the Test Approach the test confidently. Remember to review. Don't "cram." Be careful of your diet and sleep--especially as the test draws near. Arrive on time...and ready. Choose a good seat. Get comfortable and relax. Bring the complete kit of "tools" you'll need. Avoid sharing ideas with other students at the last minute. Listen carefully to all directions. During the Test Read all directions carefully--twice if necessary. Pay attention to the scoring plan. Look over the whole test before answering any questions. Start right in and stay with it. Apportion your time with an "exam budget." Use every second effectively. Do the easy questions first. Read each question carefully. Make sure you understand each one before you answer. Re-read, if necessary. Think! Avoid hurried answers. Guess intelligently. Get all the help you can from "cue" words and phrases. Rephrase difficult questions for yourself. Watch out for "spoilers." Use controlled association to see the relation of one question to another and with as many important ideas as you can develop. Now that you're a "cool" test-taker, stay calm and confident throughout the test. Don't let anything throw you. Edit, check, and proofread your answers. Be a "bitter ender." Stay working until they make you go. Academic Resource Center Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, VA 24595 http://www.arc.sbc.edu/teststrategies.html (804) 381-6278