Test Taking Strategies

[shivasHeroLike]

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i know ppl got different strategies..
what is your approach to answering a question on an exam.

like for example -- me:
i tend to skip the clinical vignette background then go straight to the last line of the question.
If i know it, i'll write my answer to the side and then proceed for the answer choices. If i don't, i'll go back to the question and start underlining whats important .. then try to eliminate the answer choices based on that.

 

[njbmd]

i know ppl got different strategies..
what is your approach to answering a question on an exam.

like for example -- me:
i tend to skip the clinical vignette background then go straight to the last line of the question.
If i know it, i'll write my answer to the side and then proceed for the answer choices. If i don't, i'll go back to the question and start underlining whats important .. then try to eliminate the answer choices based on that.

The first thing that I do on any exam is read and review the entire exam (or entire section). Then I answer the questions that I know immediately and leave the more difficult questions for last. Since every question usually counts for the same number of points, spending too much time (at the beginning of an exam) on any one question can make you rushed at the end.

I also read every answer and rule out the wrong answers. Even if I find an answer that seems correct, there may be a better answer further down and I don't want to miss it. I also seldom change my answer once I have decided upon the correct answer. Most people change right answers to wrong answers as they tend to "over think" questions.

I don't underline or hight light which may be a product of the fact that I am a very fast and very good reader. I tend to get distracted on a test by underlining and highlighting. (I DO use these tools when I am studying but not when I am taking a test).

At this point in my career, most of my exams are oral or on computer. I just scan every question first and start with the ones that I can answer quickly. In the case of oral exams, I listen very carefully to the case and its presentation, making notes as I am presented with the information.

The most important thing to do on a test is answer the question that you are asked. If you rush through and don't read carefully, you find that your "careless error" rate tends to increase.

 

[shivasHeroLike]

yeah thats true. i think a lot of people miss questions because they didn't quite understand what was being asked.

 

[DickyV]

No matter what the professor says, they're ALL trick questions. Read carefully and you'll do fine.

 

[shivasHeroLike]

uppin' for more responses -..

 

[TRAMD]

You really have to know your stuff. Test taking strategies will not get you very far on boards, shelf exams and well-written subject tests.