University of Florida
School of Music

Test-Taking Routines

1. Jot down memory cues.  Write down facts, formulas, dates, names, terms, or other items that you might forget on the back of the test or in the margins as soon as you get it.
   

2. Survey the test.  After you have jotted down your memory cues, survey the test.  Determine how many questions there are, how many points each is worth, and what kinds of questions you must answer.  A quick survey of the test will let you know what you have to do during the time limit for the test.
   

3. Plan and use all your time.  Plan on spending the most time answering the questions worth the most points.  Them time the various sections of the test out in your head.  If you finish areas of the test quicker than you had originally planned, you can always go back and finish those areas you had not allowed as much time and that you may need to finish.  If you plan your time and stick to your plan, you will not have to rush.  Use all your time, even if you don't need it.  The extra care you take may help you spot mistakes or find a better way to state an answer.
   

4. Read directions.  To avoid needless mistakes, always read directions and ask your teacher to explain anything that you do not understand.
   

5. Do easy questions first.  When you survey the test, you will probably notice questions that are going to be easy to answer.  Do those first, since you have a good chance of getting the answers right.  Doing the easy questions first will also raise your confidence about the test.
   

6. Skip and return to difficult questions.  Don't spend too much time on a difficult question.  Skip it and return to it later.  You may read something in another part of the test that will remind you of the information and you can go back and answer your skipped question.
   

7. Guess (if there is no penalty).  If there is no penalty for guessing, guess.  Don't leave questions blank; even if you don't think you know the answer, write something anyway.  You may pick up a few points.
   

8. Control your feelings and attention.  Remain in control of your feelings and attention throughout the test.  Keep your eyes on the test and don't look up or around.  If you don't know what other students are doing you are not likely to be distracted by them.  Maintain a positive attitude.
   

9. Check your work.  Always save time to proofread your test for careless errors.  Check answers only if you are absolutely sure your first answer is wrong.  First choices are usually correct, so if you have doubts about one of your answers, don't change it.