Feeling stressed about tests and exams? This video equips you with powerful strategies to confidently tackle any exam. Learn how to ace multiple-choice, short-answer, open-book, and online exams.
Be prepared
Prepare for more than just the subject matter
Make sure to gather all the details of the exam:
- Date and time
- Location (online or in-class)
- Content covered (for example, specific learning objectives, cumulative material)
- Format (for example, multiple choice, open book, written answer)
- Duration you have to write (try to complete 60% of the exam in 50% of the time)
- Number of questions
- Materials allowed (for example, calculator, notes, scrap paper)
Well-being matters
Prioritize a good night's sleep, healthy meals, and staying hydrated in the days leading up to your exam, especially on exam day.
Exam success strategies
Brain dump
Start by quickly writing down all relevant formulas, keywords, concepts, and important information you know for the exam on scrap paper. This method helps to offload your short-term memory and provide a reference for those moments you feel stuck.
Three-sweep approach
Start by answering all easy questions, then make a second pass for the more challenging ones, and a final sweep to review and complete any remaining questions.
- Sweep 1: Quick; easiest, and shortest questions
- Sweep 2: Slower; more difficult questions
- Sweep 3: Final; unanswered questions
Short/long answer
When completing a written responses some steps you can follow are:
Plan what you'll say
Before you write, take a moment to outline your thoughts. Think about the question and what key points you need to cover.
Show what you know
Answer the question by providing as much relevant information as you can. This is your chance to demonstrate your understanding. Support your points with specific details and examples to make your response clear.
Stay on topic
Focus on the questions asked. Keep your response focused on the prompt to show you've fully grasped the concept.
Open book
Open-book exams can be tricky, but these steps can help you succeed:
Study like it's a closed-book exam
Prepare thoroughly. Open-book exams often have harder questions that test understanding, not just recall. Knowing the material well will save you time.
Flag key information
Before the exam, clearly mark important sections in your notes or textbooks. Use tabs, sticky notes, or highlights to quickly locate definitions, formulas, or crucial concepts during the exam. This also saves time.
Create a summary sheet
Develop a summary sheet with the most important information, formulas, and key concepts. This can help you quickly recall important details and act as a quick reference, making it easier to navigate the exam material.
Feeling stressed with exams?
If test anxiety is affecting your well‑being, Student Development and Counselling can help.
Contact us
Learning Skills Services
Lamb Learner Success Centre, MC221, Stan Grad Centre
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Phone - 403.284.8082
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Email - learning.skills@sait.ca
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Monday - Friday | 8am - 4pm
Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.