UMDNJ-School of Health Related Professions
Office of Student Services

Online Academic Success

Tips on Test Taking

When preparing for a test be able to answer the following questions:

• What type of test will it be? (e.g objective, essay, case study, etc.)

• What percent of your total course grade will the test account for?

• What materials, lectures, readings, will this test cover?

Strategies Regarding Multiple Choice Questions

• Make sure you are clear on the question before choosing an answer.

• Underline key terms in the stem of the question (e.g. always, most often, never, not)

• Think of a correct answer before reviewing the choices then look for it among the choices.

• Always read ALL choices before selecting an answer.

• Be careful of choices such as “all the above” or “none of the above” (treat them as true or false)

• If not a penalty – ALWAYS make an educated guess.

• Don’t pick your answers based on a pattern or responses, (e.g. “This can’t be another “b” answer because I’ve just had three in a row).

• Be cautious of continually changing your answers.

Strategies Regarding True False Questions

• If any part of a question is false then the whole question is false.

• When absolutes are used (e.g. always, never, only) then the question is probably false.

• When qualifying words such as sometimes, possibly, may, etc., it is often true.

• If it doesn’t make sense than it is probably false.

Use Test Time Wisely

• Quickly review all sections of the test to confirm
point value. Are they the same or different?

• Budget more time for higher point value sections.

• Answer the easier questions first – helps build confidence.

• Stick to your estimated time for each question. If you are not certain of an answer, move forward but make sure you indicate on your answer sheet and test that you have skipped that question. Remember, you don’t want to get caught with a 100% effort on 30% of the test.