How do you make unnecessary mistakes on Tests

[FallsZero]

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This has been a chronic problem since elementary school. Maybe it has something to do with ADHD or stressing out unnecessarily. But, how do you guys not make silly mistakes on tests. On many tests I could've gotten 98 or 100 I get scores from 90 to 94 because I make silly mistakes. I don't really want to seem like a gunner and I'm happy with my test scores, but I would like to know how to fix this sort of thing.

 

[Ninefingers]

I meditate, run, exercise, mouth out every word on a test and it has helped a lot.

 

[Jdp00921]

This has been a chronic problem since elementary school. Maybe it has something to do with ADHD or stressing out unnecessarily. But, how do you guys not make silly mistakes on tests. On many tests I could've gotten 98 or 100 I get scores from 90 to 94 because I make silly mistakes. I don't really want to seem like a gunner and I'm happy with my test scores, but I would like to know how to fix this sort of thing.

This post gave me a laugh because I definitely understand where you are coming from. Sometimes, I'll get an exam back and be like "wtf was I thinking," realizing I got a question wrong when I know the answer. While it may seem silly, mostly this happens from me misreading - aka - "eliminate the wrong answer" but I'll skim the question and think "which is correct" and boom, I get it wrong obviously. What helped me significantly is to read the question in it's entirety and then think to yourself, "what, specifically, is this question asking?" Doing so helped me to really eliminate these types of mistakes. Hopefully it will work for you as well, depending on why you're making the silly errors of course!

 

[878956]

Mindful Meditation and exercise has helped me fix careless blunders on many exams.

 

[BBBallIsLife]

my most silly mistakes come from me reading the question too fast...go in with a game plan, you probably know how many q's per test and a good pacing strategy by now so adhere to that, and slow down.

 

[DBC03]

I forget to answer parts of questions. Thank goodness the MCAT lets you only answer one question at a time!

 

[Lannister]

This method works best for me (for multiple choice only, obviously):

First pass: skim the questions. Look for key words (for example, currant jelly sputum=klebsiella). Go with your gut and pick an answer. Don't over think.

Second pass: review every question, and read each question slowly. Read every word, and really think about what the question is asking. Then, go through every answer option. Don't just think about the right answer, think about why the other answer options are wrong.

Third pass: review flagged questions only.

 

[TheBiologist]

it happens to the best

 

[deleted804295]

it happens to the best

it also happens to the worst

 

[LoveBeingHuman:)]

This only happens to me in math related courses like physics and chem

Keep track of what mistakes you are making and make a list. Memorize that list. On your exam, write out the list from memory. Before turning in your exam, make sure that you cross checked your list with your exam.

 

[Gilakend]

I make mistakes when I get fixated on the wrong word or phrase and completely neglect the important part of the question.

 

[mellie0]

When I'm done with the test, I re-read my answers to everything at least twice, sometimes three times. You'll be surprised how many things I catch when I read my answers before handing in the test. I also take my sweet time and usually take the whole allotted time because why not?

 

[trickydick]

It seems like you made another silly mistake with the title of the thread.

But you got some good advice here. Slow it down and repeat what you read or write in your head. Helps with tests and essays.

 

[AllBleedingStops]

Try slowing down. I think you may have even made a mistake in your post title so make sure you are taking the time you need to avoid minor mistakes when it comes to written tests.

 

[PhilzCoffeeAddict]

Take the time AND EFFORT to review. I'm a very fast test-taker but I compensate that speed with reviewing slowly and carefully. I usually catch the mistake I made. If there are no mistakes, I get really paranoid there is one haha.

 

[trev5150]

Don't waste time on killer passages. Push them to the back and work them with whatever time you have left in the section.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

I read every word of the question deliberately. I also underline or circle important things, and if it’s relevant, I will often draw pictures. I will also attempt to predict either a specific answer or some general ideas before looking at the answers (if it’s multiple choice).

 

[radiculating spines]

This method works best for me (for multiple choice only, obviously):

First pass: skim the questions. Look for key words (for example, currant jelly sputum=klebsiella). Go with your gut and pick an answer. Don't over think.

Second pass: review every question, and read each question slowly. Read every word, and really think about what the question is asking. Then, go through every answer option. Don't just think about the right answer, think about why the other answer options are wrong.

Third pass: review flagged questions only.

I'm just here to say that I read all your posts in Peter Dinklage's voice and it makes everything you say utterly and unequivocally convincing. With your advice I know I will never get a question wrong again.

 

[Lannister]

I'm just here to say that I read all your posts in Peter Dinklage's voice and it makes everything you say utterly and unequivocally convincing. With your advice I know I will never get a question wrong again.

Hahaha great now I'm reading my own posts in Peter Dinklage's voice.