Test Taking Strategies That Actually Work: A Guide for Students

Whether it’s a final exam, standardized test, or weekly quiz, knowing how to prepare can make all the difference. Test anxiety is real, but the good news? There are things students can do well in advance—and right up to test day—to feel confident and ready.

Here’s a breakdown of smart strategies students can use in the months before, the week of, and during the test to perform their best.

📆 Months Before the Test: Build the Foundation

Guiding students through challenging concepts before tests ensures sufficient time for understanding and mastery.

1. Set a Study Schedule Early Don’t wait until crunch time. Start preparing a couple of months in advance by breaking the material into chunks. Use a calendar or planner to map out topics by week, focusing on one subject or concept at a time.

2. Practice Active Learning Instead of just reading notes, use active techniques:

• Make flashcards

• Teach the material to someone else

• Create mind maps or diagrams

• Take practice quizzes

  
  

3. Review Mistakes If students are doing practice problems or past tests, encourage them to review the wrong answers more than the right ones. Understanding why an answer was incorrect is one of the fastest ways to improve.

4. Make It Routine Set aside a consistent time each day or week to study. A little every day is far more effective (and less stressful) than a big cram session.

📅 The Week of the Test: Focus + Prep

1. Get Organized Double-check test dates, times, locations, and any materials needed (e.g., pencils, calculator, ID). Pack a bag the night before to avoid last-minute panic.

2. Sleep is Non-Negotiable Make sleep a top priority. Staying up late to study the night before can do more harm than good. Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep in the days leading up to the test.

3. Eat Brain-Friendly Foods This week, focus on balanced meals. Foods rich in protein, omega-3s, and complex carbs—like eggs, salmon, whole grains, and leafy greens—can help with focus and memory.

Children engage in a calming meditation session, potentially easing test anxiety.

4. Review Smart, Not Hard Instead of re-reading everything, do a “light review”:

• Go over flashcards

• Revisit the trickiest concepts

• Review summary sheets or key formulas

5. Practice Relaxation Techniques Encourage students to try deep breathing, mindfulness, or light exercise. Reducing stress improves performance.

✏️ On Test Day: Show Up Ready

1. Eat Breakfast Even if nerves kill your appetite, try to eat something—preferably with protein and slow-burning carbs (think: yogurt and granola, eggs and toast, or peanut butter on whole wheat).

2. Arrive Early Give yourself extra time to get there so you’re not rushed. Rushing increases anxiety and makes it harder to focus.

3. Skim the Test First Once the test begins, take a minute to scan through it. Budget your time and start with questions you’re confident about to build momentum.

4. Use Test-Taking Strategies

• Read carefully. Don’t skim instructions—small details matter.

• Eliminate wrong answers. Even a 50/50 guess is better than a blind one.

• Watch the clock without obsessing. Check in halfway to pace yourself.

• Don’t panic on tough questions. Move on and come back if you have time.

  
  

5. Stay Positive Keep internal dialogue encouraging: “I’ve got this,” “I prepared for this,” “One question at a time.” Positive self-talk can be a game-changer.

Focused and determined individuals practice effective test-taking strategies, illustrating the importance of preparation and concentration for academic success.

Final Thought

Good test scores aren’t just about smarts—they’re about preparation, routine, and mindset. By spreading out studying, staying organized, and taking care of their body and mind, students can walk into any test room with confidence.

Remember: It’s not just about how much you study—it’s how smart you study that counts.

Yours In Education,

Lyndsay