4 Tips For Studying For Different Types Of Tests

By Danielle Wirsansky on April 22, 2016

We all have our own way of studying for tests, but sometimes different kinds of tests require different kinds of studying. There are so many different test formats, from multiple choice tests, short answer tests, open book tests, big exams, tests like the GRE, and more. It can get overwhelming.

So here are some tips for studying for different types of tests to help you along the way!

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Figure Out The Question Types

Especially in standardized testing, there are specific kinds of questions given and the test is looking for a specific kind of answer. It is not always black and white or cut to the chase. What immediately strikes you as the right answer might not be right. They are not always looking for a “right” answer, but an answer that most closely answers their question type. This can get confusing, but once you figure out exactly what the test is asking of you with each question type, it will be very clear and will take less time for you to figure out the answers.

Practice Tests

Practice makes perfect, so practice, practice, practice. If you have the opportunity to take a practice test of any kind, I highly recommend that you do so. The first benefit is already being able to gauge how well you would do on the test — this will spare you from any unpleasant surprises on the real test. You will know if you need to study more and in what areas. You know how much time it will take you and if you need to work on taking your time and speeding up how you take the test.

When you get to the actual test, you will be cool, calm and collected because you already know the best strategies to get the test done and done well, you already have an idea of how well you will do, and there is no anxiety about the test because you are ready. You are prepared. There will be no surprises!

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Focus On One Topic At A Time

Sometimes you have multiple exams to study for, of different subjects and types. That too can be overwhelming in and of itself and it is hard to figure out where to start. Whatever works best for you, either starting with the test that is coming up first or maybe the test where the subject will be most difficult, just start there.

But once you start on one test subject and type, stick with that. Study that until its completion and then move on to the next. If you try to jump between test types and subjects, your head will be swimming before you know it and then you really will be overwhelmed. Keep your studying compartmentalized and do one thing at a time. Serious test studying is not something that you want to do while multi-tasking. You want to keep everything as straightforward as possible. Getting upset, confused, and lost while studying will only hinder you and stop you from doing as well in the long run, so do your best to stay organized and separate in your studies.

Review, Review, Review

The place to begin is always by reviewing the material you will be tested on. There is no sense in studying question types or practicing writing essays if you are not familiar with the material you are actually going to be tested on. Going to take the GRE but have not taken a math course in years? Have a history exam but did not do any of the assigned readings? No matter what, you will not do well on an exam if you do not know the test material.

So before you do anything else, just go back and review what you will be tested on. You can read your notes, skim your textbooks, do a Google search, make flash cards, visit your professor or TA’s office hours. Just review so that you can take the next step in preparing for your specific upcoming exam. The reason we go to school is to learn in the first place, so do not skip over that!

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