Help with Taking Tests

Tests can feel stressful, but preparing ahead of time and using good strategies can help you feel more confident. While these tips cannot guarantee a passing grade, they can help you stay organized, focused, and calm during your exam.

Quick Tips for Test Success

  • Prepare early.
  • Read all instructions carefully.
  • Manage your time.
  • Stay calm and focused.
  • Review your answers before submitting.

Basic Test-Taking Tips

Taking a test can sometimes cause stress or nervousness. The suggestions below may help:

  • Come prepared and arrive early.
  • Stay relaxed and confident.
  • Be comfortable but remain alert.
  • Preview the test if time allows.
  • Read all directions carefully before starting.
  • Budget your time and pace yourself.
  • If taking a multiple-choice test, eliminate clearly wrong answers before guessing.
  • If taking an essay test, get to the point and organize your thoughts before writing.
  • Save about 10% of your time to review your answers.
  • After the test, review your results to identify areas for improvement.

Managing Test Anxiety

If you experience test anxiety, try these strategies:

  • Study the material thoroughly and consistently.
  • Get a good night’s sleep before the exam.
  • Eat before the test—avoid arriving on an empty stomach.
  • Take a few slow, deep breaths before starting.
  • Bring a small snack (if permitted) to stay focused.
  • Maintain a positive mindset and avoid negative self-talk.

If anxiety significantly interferes with your academic performance, consider speaking with an advisor or campus support services for additional resources.

Tips for Essay Questions

Essay exams require you to explain ideas clearly and organize your thoughts effectively.

Before You Write:

  • Read the question carefully.
  • Identify exactly what the question is asking.
  • Plan your main points before you begin.

While Writing:

  • Restate the question in your introduction.
  • Clearly present your main points.
  • Support your ideas with examples or facts.
  • Use clear transitions between paragraphs.
  • Stay focused on the question being asked.

After Writing:

  • Summarize your response in a concluding statement.
  • Proofread for spelling, grammar, and clarity.
  • Ensure your handwriting is legible (if handwritten).

Taking Math Tests

Using good strategy during a math test can improve your performance.

Before the Test:

  • Begin preparing early.
  • Complete practice problems.
  • Study under test-like conditions.
  • Review previous exams, if available.
  • Consider forming a small, focused study group.

During the Test:

  • Read through the entire exam first.
  • Make sure you understand what each question is asking.
  • Write each step clearly and neatly.
  • Double-check numbers as you write them.
  • Check your calculations and calculator entries.
  • If you get stuck, move on and return later if time allows.

After Completing the Test:

  • Review your answers if time remains.
  • Check for calculation errors.

Contact

If you are a current, active, degree-seeking student, and would like to contact your assigned advisor, log into your Navigate account and you will find your advisors name and contact information in the 'People' tab.  

The Academic Advising and Counseling Team of Seminole State College of Florida serves as catalysts that promotes the holistic well-being of every student. Through the appreciative advising framework, our advisors ensure the individual goals of each student are attainable through individualized, tailored, and prescriptive methodologies that support the implementation of a comprehensive guided pathway framework.