Tips for Academic Success

Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Thrive in College

• Embrace new experiences.
• Prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing.
• Know you are never alone on your college journey.

Wellness Basics

• Get enough sleep
• Move your body with exercise
• Fuel up with a balanced diet
• Make time for relaxation and self-care

Support When You Need It

Widener offers a range of wellness resources:

• CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services)
• Student Health Services
• Student Accessibility Services
• Pride Recreation Center

Building Connections

Engage in creating new relationships

Be open to meeting people from different backgrounds and experiences — yes, even if it feels awkward at first!

Participate in student life beyond the classroom. Get involved in:

• Campus events
• Student groups
• Residence life activities
• Greek life
• Service opportunities

Support That Helps You Connect

Find your people and build your community with these resources (all located in the University Center):

• Student Inclusion & Belonging
• PRIDE Mentoring Program
• Office of Success and Academic Enrichment
• Center for Civic Engagement

Managing Stress & Staying on Track

Pursue academic goals that set you up for success, focus on progress rather than perfection, and define what success looks like for you.

Establish academic habits that reduce stress and procrastination: 

• Attend class regularly
• Create structured study times with breaks
• Use tools like Canvas to stay organized

Access Support Early & Often

Take advantage of resources designed to help you thrive:

• Instructor office hours
• Math Center
• Writing Center
• Peer coaching and study groups

Developing Independence

Embrace the new independence of college life and the responsibilities that come with it. This is your time to grow!

Build on your strengths and develop skills for greater autonomy Focus on:

• Time management
• Daily task organization
• Financial responsibility

Utilize tools and resources that keep you organized and accountable. Try:

• Mentors and advisors
• Calendars and planners
• Productivity apps (like Todoist or Google Calendar)
• Campus resources and support services

These affirmations are little reminders to help you stay grounded, take care of yourself, and keep going. Read them when you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or just need a little boost. You can:

• Say them out loud to yourself (yes, it feels weird at first, but it works!)
• Write your favorites in your planner or on sticky notes
• Save a few to your phone as reminders
• Repeat one in your head when you're feeling anxious or stressed

The goal isn’t to be perfect or super positive all the time, it’s just to remind yourself that you're capable, you're growing, and you're not alone.

Mindful Present Moment Awareness

• I will stay present-focused and take this one day at a time.
• I am safe as long as I stay present and breathe.
• My feelings won't last forever.
• I am calm and at peace in the midst of uncertainty.
• I listen to my intuition and let it inform important decisions in my life.
• I release my attachment to outcomes and stay present in the moment.
• I will focus on what I can control and release the rest.
• It's healthy to take a break to rest or have fun.
• I love myself so much that I take care of myself, physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Growth and Resilience

• I'm stronger than I think.
• I have survived challenges before, and I trust that I will in the future.
• I am a learner and use uncertainty as an opportunity to grow.
• I am flexible and adaptable to change.
• I approach the unknown with curiosity rather than fear.
• I create my future instead of ruminating over it.
• My creativity can solve all my life's problems.
• I am open to new possibilities and experiences.
• Things regularly turn out better than I could ever expect them to.

Self-Compassion and Support

• This is stressful, so I will take extra good care of myself.
• My fear is understandable, but worrying about the worst-case scenario isn't helpful.
• I can be both afraid and courageous at the same time.
• When I'm struggling, I will ask for help.
• I can lean on others for support.
• I'm not alone in this.
• My community is here for me when I need them.
• I am worthy of love and respect, no matter what.
• I am kind and compassionate to myself, especially in difficult times.
• I embrace and move through fear rather than letting it control me.
• I'm doing the best that I can, and that's all I can ask of myself.
• My body and mind need to rest and recharge. So, I will let myself rest without judgment.

Hope and Optimism

• I choose to be optimistic.
• I can always find something to be grateful for.
• I have everything that I need to get through this challenge.
• I am grateful for the abundance that surrounds me.
• Surprises help me to remember how exciting and full of potential life really is.
• Love can outshine uncertainty every time.
• I have a healthy positive perspective that allows me to see the best in all situations.

Having clear goals gives you purpose and direction—both in college and in life. Your goals might be things you want to achieve soon (short-term) or dreams you’re working toward over time (long-term).

What You’ll Need:

• A stack of 3 × 5 index cards

• A quiet space to think and write

Step 1: Choose Your Goals

Think about what matters most to you and what you want to accomplish. Make them specific and personal so they feel motivating and worth your effort.

Step 2: Create Your Goal Cards

Use one card for each goal and fill in the following sections:

• Center: Write your goal—be clear and concise.

• Top Right: Why this goal matters to you (your “why”).

• Top Left: The deadline you’re setting for yourself.

• Bottom Left: People who can support you and help you stay on track.

• Bottom Right: Tools, skills, or resources you’ll need.

• Back of Card: Write down 3 fun or “out there” ideas to reach your goal, then 3 practical, realistic actions.

Step 3: Keep Your Goals Visible

Put your cards somewhere you’ll see them often. Talk about your goals with others so they can help hold you accountable. When you achieve one, take time to celebrate and thank those who supported you. Save your completed goal cards as reminders of what you’re capable of.

See an Example 

These worksheets provide practical tools to help you stay focused, build support, and overcome challenges on your academic journey: 

• Boosting Your Motivation: Use proven strategies to stay motivated, focused, and on track for success.
• Creating My Support Network: Identify people and resources to help you thrive.
• Identifying Your Academic Obstacles : Recognize your challenges and plan steps to overcome them.

The Pomodoro Method is a time management technique that helps you stay focused and avoid burnout by breaking your work into short, manageable chunks.

Here’s how it works:

• Choose a task you want to work on.
• Set a timer for 25 minutes — this is one “Pomodoro.”
• Work without distractions until the timer goes off.
• Take a short 5-minute break.
• After 4 Pomodoros, take a longer break (15–30 minutes).

It’s great for studying, writing, or any task that requires concentration. The regular breaks help you stay refreshed, and the timer keeps you on track.

Try the Pomodoro Method

Plan your week effectively with this handy template to organize your classes, assignments, and priorities:

• Weekly Schedule 

Whether you're preparing for a midterm, a final, or a weekly quiz, the strategies you use can make a big difference in how well you understand and remember the material.

What Actually Works

Use Active Study Strategies

The most effective study methods require your brain to actively engage with the material.

Some examples:

• Quizzing yourself (try using no notes!)

• Solving practice problems

• Teaching a concept out loud

• Creating study guides or diagrams from memory

These strategies help you practice retrieval, which is how your brain strengthens memory and understanding.

Avoid Passive Study Habits

It’s tempting to reread your notes or highlight your textbook. It feels productive,  but it’s not the best use of your time.

Passive strategies include:

• Rereading notes or slides

• Highlighting large chunks of text

• Rewriting material word-for-word

These might give you a sense of familiarity, but they don’t help your brain actually learn the content.

Minimize Distractions

Do you find yourself tudying while texting, scrolling, or half-watching Netflix? That’s multitasking and it slows you down.

Tips to stay focused:

• Silence notifications and put your phone out of reach

• Use a timer (like Pomodoro: 25 min work / 5 min break)

• Choose a quiet spot or use noise-canceling headphones

Even small distractions can interrupt your focus and make it harder to retain information.

What Matters Less Than You Think

Cramming vs. Spacing

You’ve probably heard it’s better to study over time than to cram the night before. And that’s true, but spacing your study sessions isn’t the only key to success. If you’re using active strategies and staying focused, you can still do well, even if your study schedule isn’t perfect.

That said:

• Spaced studying helps reduce stress

• Reviewing material more than once strengthens memory

• Studying early gives you time to identify what you don’t know

Need Extra Support?

If you're not sure where to start or want help improving your study habits, there are plenty of resources available to you:

• Tutoring and Writing Support

• Study skill workshops

• Time management help

• One-on-one coaching or advising

Learn how to access tutoring and additional academic support

SQ3R is a proven method to improve comprehension and retention of written information. It stands for:

Survey – Question – Read – Recite – Review

 S = SURVEY

Before you begin reading, scan the material to get an overview of its content and purpose.

Look for:

• Titles and Headings – Reveal main topics and structure.
• Bold/Italicized Text, Pictures, Questions – Highlight key ideas.
• Introduction and Conclusion – Often summarize key points.
• First and Last Sentences of paragraphs – May contain topic sentences.
• Footnotes – Provide additional context or references.

Q = QUESTION

Turn headings and visuals into questions to guide your reading.

• Helps you stay focused and engaged.
• Improves comprehension and retention.
• Write down questions that come to mind as you survey the material.

R = READ

Now read actively with your questions in mind And: 

• Search for answers to your questions.
• Highlight or underline main ideas and supporting details.
• Take notes to reinforce learning.

 R = RECITE

Reciting information out loud or in writing helps transfer it to long-term memory.

• Summarize what you learned in your own words.
• Answer your questions without looking at the material.
• Reinforce understanding by teaching it to someone else.

R = REVIEW

Regular review helps consolidate learning and prevents cramming.

• Check: Did you answer all your questions?
• Re-read summaries and notes frequently.
• Reviewing ensures long-term retention of the material.

Extension: The SQ4R Method

Some versions add a 4th "R" to deepen your learning. This R can stand for different actions:

R = RELATE

• Connect new information to what you already know.
• Make it personally meaningful.
• Linking concepts creates stronger memory associations.

R = wRite

• Create visual aids like maps or outlines.
• Use the Cornell Note-Taking System or your own structure.
• Reduce information into bullet points or summaries.
• Always read, question, and recite before writing.
• Verify your understanding by comparing your notes to the text.

R = RECORD

Marking the text increases active engagement and future recall. Techniques:

• Underline key points (double for main ideas, single for details).
• Bracket longer sections.
• Use symbols (circles, boxes) for important terms.
• Write marginal notes to question, summarize, or comment.
• Coordinate class notes with textbook notes:
• Right page = class notes
• Left page = textbook notes
• This allows for easy cross-referencing and review.

R = REFLECT

• Ask: “What does this mean to me?”
• Apply ideas to real-life examples – people, events, memories.
• Make personal connections to increase understanding and recall.

R = RESPOND

• Actively find and write answers to your questions.
• Add new questions that arise as you read.
• Engage with the text by writing in the margins or annotating.

Final Tip: Make It Your Own

Develop your own system using SQ3R/SQ4R:

• Be selective in what you mark or note.
• Use your own words in notes and summaries.
• Find a balance between reading, writing, and reflecting that works for you.
• Coordinate your study materials to prepare more effectively for class and tests.

THIEVES is a quick way to scan a reading before you actually start it. It helps you figure out what the text is about, what to focus on, and makes the reading feel way less overwhelming.

T – Title

Start by looking at the title of the chapter or article.
Ask yourself:

• What is this going to be about?

• What do I already know about the topic?

• Can I turn this title into a question to guide my reading?

H – Headings

Headings and subheadings break the text into sections.
Try this:

• Turn each heading into a question.

• Look at subheadings—they often hint at important details or key ideas.

• Use your questions to guide what you're looking for as you read.

I – Introduction

Read the introduction carefully. It usually sets the stage and gives you the "why" behind the chapter.
If you're short on time, even reading the first paragraph can give you context about what’s coming next.

E – Every First Sentence in a Paragraph

The first sentence often tells you the main idea of that paragraph.
Try this:

• Skim the first sentence of each paragraph to get a quick overview.

• Use these main ideas to mentally map the structure of the reading.

V – Visuals & Vocabulary

Visuals: Look at charts, images, graphs, maps, and tables. Read the captions, labels, and titles—they’re often packed with useful info.
Vocabulary: Highlight or write down bolded terms, glossary words, or new concepts.

• Say them aloud, look up the definitions, and review them before and after reading.

E – End-of-Chapter Questions

Check out any review questions, discussion prompts, or key takeaways.
These often reveal what the author or instructor wants you to learn—and they’re great prep for quizzes or class discussions.

S – Summary

If there’s a summary, don’t skip it!

• Read it first to get a big-picture view of the chapter.

• Then read it again afterward to check your understanding.

1. “I don’t know where to start”
   • List all tasks and break them into smaller steps.
   • Prioritize and make a realistic schedule.
   • Use spare time between classes to review notes.
   • Start early with short sessions, increasing study time as exams get closer.
2. “Too much to cover, too little time”
   • Skim your syllabus, notes, and readings to find the key topics.
   • Focus on areas you don’t understand.
   • Use previewing to save time, but still read thoroughly.
3. “This material is so boring”
   • Engage actively—ask questions, highlight, and take notes.
   • Study with classmates to discuss and reinforce concepts.
   • Approach dull topics with extra focus to avoid missing important points.
4. “I get it when I read it, but it won’t stick”
   • Link new info to what you already know.
   • Use memory tools like chunking (grouping info) or mnemonics (word tricks).
   • Create personal examples to make material meaningful.
5. “I think I understand it”
   • Test yourself with questions you create.
   • Focus on key concepts your instructor emphasized.
   • Turn section titles into questions to guide review.
6. “There’s too much to remember”
   • Organize material into outlines, charts, or categories.
   • Show relationships between ideas to help recall.
   • Use visual aids like matrices to break down complex topics.
7. “I knew it a minute ago”
   • Review sections right after reading.
   • Revisit trouble spots until you can recall them easily.
   • Even after mastering it, reviewing makes forgetting less likely.
8. “I like studying in bed”
   • Match your study environment to the test setting for better recall.
   • Keep your mental and physical state similar to exam conditions.
9. “Cramming works for me”
   • Spread study time over several days or weeks.
   • Increase time spent as the test nears for better long-term recall.
10. “I’ll just stay up all night”
    • Rest is vital—take short breaks while studying.
    • Get good sleep, eat well, and stay active before exams.
    • Avoid thinking about schoolwork right before bed to help your brain recharge.

Are you struggling to remember something on an exam that you are confident you know, that you read, and that you studied?

• Pause, deep breath, recall
• Imagine where you were sitting when you read the vocabulary word or theory
• Remember the scent of the candle that you used while studying the case study findings
• Try using an essential oil on your wrist while studying, then put it on again on the day of the exam
• Did you have specific music playing? Were you tapping your foot while reading?  Try listening to the same music leading up to the exam. During the exam, try tapping your foot.
• Were you chewing minty-flavored gum while studying? Try chewing the same flavor while taking the exam.

Why do these strategies work?

Think about why or how we get nostalgic when encountering a smell or a visual recollection of a memory.    

Aroma-based Memory Enhancement Strategy

• Aroma-based memory enhancement techniques work because our sense of smell is closely linked to the memory center of our brain.
• When a unique scent one prefers/enjoys is consistently present while studying or reading, it becomes associated with the information being learned.
• Later, re-exposing oneself to the same scent can trigger the recall of that associated content as the brain's memory muscles reconnect the smell with the memory of the study session.

There is not always an instant recall, so it will not be a quick fix. It is not magic!

Feeling stuck? Don’t stress. Start by understanding what your professor is asking. Here’s a quick guide to help you break it down and write with confidence.

1. Stay Calm & Start Early

Panic leads to procrastination and procrastination leads to problems. To avoid this: 

• Listen when the assignment is introduced.

• Write down tips and expectations.

• Start early so you have time to plan, write, and revise.

2. Read the Assignment (More Than Once)

Think of the prompt as your roadmap:

• Skim it to get the big-picture ideas.

• Highlight key requirements and deadlines.

• Jot down any questions or initial thoughts.

3. Know Your Purpose & Audience

Ask yourself:

• Why am I writing this?

• What skill is being tested (summary, analysis, argument)?

• Who is my reader — my professor or someone else?

4. Focus on the Action Words

Watch for directive verbs like: Compare, Analyze, Summarize, Explain, Argue

These verbs will tell you what kind of response your professor wants. Not sure what one means? Look it up, ask, or get help from the Writing Center. 

5. Sort Out What You Know

6. Do I Need an Argument?

If you're using sources or taking a side, you're probably writing an argument. To do this effectively, you should:

• Use evidence.

• Take a clear stance.

• Build your case.

7. Choose the Right Evidence

Different classes expect different types of evidence, use the type that fits your subject best:

• Statistics

• Expert opinion

• Research studies

• Personal examples

8. Plan the Structure

A clear structure helps your reader follow your ideas. Consider what type of organization fits your assignment best, such as:

• Question/Answer

• Compare/Contrast

• Problem/Solution

9. Follow Formatting Rules

Yes, the little details count! Make sure you're following all the guidelines your instructor provides such as: 

• Font

• Margins

• Word count

• Citation style (APA, MLA, etc.)

10. Use Your Campus Resources

You’re not alone. Reach out to:

• Your instructor

• Librarians

• The Success and Academic Enrichment Team

• The Writing Center

1. Consider class over only after you have reviewed your notes.

This may not only be the most important note-taking skill you learn, but also the most important study skill! If you can adopt this habit, you are on your way to success. However, there’s a huge mental hurdle to jump. You may have been conditioned to think class is over when the bell rings or the professor dismisses class. Instead, remember: class is over when you have reviewed your notes. You may not be able to do it immediately after class, but make sure you review your notes before the next class.

2. Write only on one side of the paper.

Your notes will be easier to read, and the back side provides space to add notes from your book or examples when you review and study later.

3. Skip lines.

Your notebook is not the place to single-handedly try to save the rainforest. Space your notes out! Don’t try to cram an hour-long lecture onto one page. Skipping lines allows room to add information later, clearly separates new thoughts, and keeps your notes more readable and organized.

4. Listen.

It sounds obvious, but it isn’t. To be a good note-taker, you can’t simply go to class—you must listen actively. Before class begins, challenge yourself to stay on task. If your mind wanders, make a check at the top of your notes and refocus. Make a check each time you catch yourself drifting. At first you might have a lot of checks. For each class, try to have one less check. You’ll get better!

5. Take your own notes.

In other words: go to class! It is difficult to understand someone else’s notes as well as your own. If you miss a class, borrowing notes is better than nothing—but don’t make a habit of it.

6. Discuss your notes with others.

While it’s important to take your own notes, it’s valuable to talk about them with others. If you have questions, clarify them with a classmate, tutor, or professor. Comparing notes forces you to articulate your understanding in your own words.

7. Use abbreviations wisely.

Abbreviations help you write more in less time, but keep them simple and consistent. Consider writing abbreviation meanings in the margin to avoid confusion later on.

8. When in doubt, write it down.

If something seems easy or obvious, don’t fool yourself—write it down. We forget 80% of what we hear after 30 minutes unless we write it down or rehearse it. If it’s important, note it—no matter how sure you are you’ll remember.

9. Don’t let your opinions interfere with your note-taking.

Focus on the content, not how it’s being delivered. Even if you disagree with something, be sure to record it. If you include your own or others’ opinions, clearly label them as such.

10. Pay special attention to the first and last 5 minutes of class.

The first 5 minutes often preview what will be discussed. Use this as a roadmap to follow along better. The last 5 minutes may include a summary of key points—or a quick info dump if time is short. Don’t zone out or pack up early—you could miss critical material.

Do you get nervous when you take exams? Do you “forget” the material you studied as soon as you receive the test? Do you make careless errors you know you wouldn’t have made otherwise?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, you are experiencing test anxiety.

Recognizing Test Anxiety

It is helpful to be aware of how you feel and what you are saying to yourself when you experience test anxiety. Use the checklist below to identify your reactions:

Physical Reactions

• My muscles become tense
• My breathing becomes shallow
• My hands become sweaty and my pen slides out of my hand
• My hands are shaking
• I can't sit still
• My stomach is going crazy
• I feel like I'm going to be sick

Emotional Reactions

• Any noise in the room distracts me and I can't concentrate
• My mind goes blank – I can't remember anything

Thoughts I Say to Myself

• I should have studied more
• I just want to finish
• I know I'm going to fail
• This test is terrible
• Everyone is leaving before me – I’m going to have the worst grade in the class
• If I fail my parents will pull me out of school
• I'm never going to make it through school
• I can't do this
• I'm stupid

First Step: Evaluate Your Preparation

When you experience test anxiety, ask yourself:

• Did I study well enough to perform adequately on the exam?
• Did I take the time to review my notes and the text well in advance?

Adequate preparation is the first step in reducing test anxiety.

Understanding the Cycle

Test anxiety shows up in two main ways:

1. What we are thinking — often negative, upsetting thoughts like “I’m going to fail” or “I don’t remember anything.”
2. Our physiological responses — sweating, tense muscles, shallow breathing.

Negative thoughts make us more nervous and can lead to poor performance. Calm, positive thoughts can relax us and improve results. You have more control over your thoughts and feelings than you may believe.

Changing Your Thoughts

1. Become aware of the “little voice” in your mind during study or an exam.
2. Write down your negative thoughts.
3. Counter them with positive thoughts.
4. When negative thoughts flood in, tell them to STOP and replace them with your positive ones.

Relaxing Your Body

• Take deep, slow breaths — inhale deeply, hold, then exhale slowly.
• Shake out your arms and legs.
• Tense and release each muscle group.
• Visualize a relaxing place (beach, comfortable chair, etc.).

Additional Tips for Managing Test Anxiety

• Don’t study in the hour before the exam; do something enjoyable instead.
• Arrive to class “just in time” to avoid absorbing other people’s nervousness.
• Set up a reward for yourself after the test, no matter your performance.
• Limit caffeine.
• Eat a small meal or light snack before the test to keep blood sugar steady.
• Dress in a way that makes you feel confident.
• In the days before the exam, visualize yourself taking it calmly and confidently.
• If you feel overwhelmed during the test, look away briefly and think of something funny.
• Pace yourself; don’t rush.
• If you need to remember formulas or facts, jot them down immediately when you get the test.
• Talk to your professor about your test anxiety — they may have helpful suggestions.

Getting Help

If test anxiety continues to be a problem, seek campus support:

• Academic Support Services (522 E. 14th Street, Pineapple House) — academic coaching for test anxiety.
• Counseling Center (19th & Walnut Streets) — support for test anxiety, stress management, and other personal concerns.

General Exam Strategies (All Types)

1. Preview the Exam: Skim through the entire test to see how many and what types of questions are included.

2. Prioritize the Order of Questions: Do the types of questions you are best at first (e.g., multiple choice before essays). OR, alternatively, start with the questions that are worth the most points.

3. Skip and Return: If you don’t know an answer, skip it and come back later. Mark it clearly. Sometimes hints appear later in the test.

4. Read Directions Carefully: Misreading directions is a common reason students lose points.

5. Underline Key Words: This helps with focus, prevents misreading, and aids quick scanning during review.

6. Manage Your Time: Budget your time so you can complete the test without rushing.

7. Adopt a Positive Mindset: Assume there is a correct answer and that you have the tools to find it. Confidence helps.

8. Guess When Unsure: Always make a guess—don’t leave questions blank.

9. Watch Out for Negatives: Words like not, none, except, fewest can change the meaning. Rephrase the question in positive form if needed.

   Example:
   Question: The Social Sciences include all of the following except:
   a) Psychology
   b) Sociology
   c) Anthropology
   d) History
   → Answer: d (the exception)

10. Read All Answer Choices: Don’t stop at the first seemingly correct answer. Consider reading options in reverse order.

11. Avoid Overanalyzing Patterns: Don’t assume you’re “due” for a certain lettered answer (e.g., “I haven’t picked ‘D’ in a while...”).

12. Only Change Answers with Reason: Change an answer only if you find something new that you missed the first time.

Essay Exam Strategies

Essay exams require strong recall, organization, and writing. Preparation in advance is key.

1. Read and Mark the Question: Underline action words and key terms.

2. Break Down Multi-Part Questions: Number each component of the question before answering.
   Example:
   Prompt: Compare and contrast Picasso and Duchamp. Describe specific pieces.

• Paragraph 1: Compare

• Paragraph 2: Contrast

• Paragraph 3: Describe pieces

1. Understand Action Words

   Term	Meaning
   Define	State meaning
   Enumerate	List all points
   Illustrate	Use examples
   Trace	Show development
   Compare	Show similarities and differences
   Contrast	Show differences
   Outline	Summarize structure
   Summarize	Present main points
   Justify	Give reasons
   Critique	Evaluate and summarize

2. Outline Your Answer First

   • Helps stay focused

   • Ensures all parts of the question are addressed

   • If you run out of time, a professor may give partial credit for outlines

3. Be Direct: Use short, clear statements.

4. Be Concise: Don’t write more than necessary. Avoid fluff—stick to relevant information.

5. Be Relevant: Avoid a "shotgun" approach. Stay on topic. Irrelevant information can lower your score.

6. Be Literate: Structure your essay well. Avoid poor grammar and incomplete ideas, even under time pressure.

7. Be Neat: Write legibly with a dark pen or pencil. If you make an insertion, use an asterisk and note it at the bottom.

8. Review Carefully: Confirm that you addressed every part of the prompt, and that your writing is clear and organized.

Multiple Choice Exam Strategies

1. Start with What You Know: Answer the easy questions first.

2. Use the Process of Elimination: Cross out incorrect answers to improve your odds when guessing.

3. Mark and Return to Hard Questions: Use a star or another symbol so you can return to unanswered questions later.

4. Look for Clues in Other Questions: Information from one question may help answer another.

Guessing Techniques (Only When Unsure)

1. Read the Question with Each Answer
   Eliminate grammatically incorrect choices.
   Example: If the question ends with “a,” the answer should start with a consonant.

2. Choose the Longest/Most Detailed Answer
   These are often correct when all options seem plausible.

   Example:
   Question: In the U.S., intellectual development is most often affected by:
   → Choose c) if it is the most detailed and inclusive.

3. Go With “All of the Above” or “None of the Above” if Rarely Used
   If they appear infrequently but could be correct, they probably are.

4. Look for Opposites
   If two choices are opposites, one is often correct.

5. Avoid “All or Nothing” Statements
   Absolutes (always, never, only) are usually false.

6. Eliminate Identical Choices
   If two options are essentially the same, both are likely wrong.

True-False Exam Strategies

1. Read Directions Carefully

2. Guess if Unsure
   Never leave a blank.

3. Watch for Parts That Are False
   If any part of a statement is false, the whole statement is false.

4. Be Cautious with Absolutes
   Words like “never” or “always” usually indicate a false statement.

   Example:

   • False: It never rains in the Sahara Desert.

   • True: It almost never rains in the Sahara Desert.

5. Longer Statements Are Often True
   Vague or general statements are more likely to be correct.

This five-day plan gives you a structured way to study smarter not harder.

Before You Begin:

Make the most of this plan by doing a little prep:

• Gather your materials: notes, textbooks, handouts, flashcards, study guides—anything you’ve used in class.

• Create a simple study schedule: Plan for about 2–3 study sessions per day, each lasting 20–30 minutes. That’s long enough to be productive but short enough to stay focused.

• Break it down: Decide what topics or tasks you'll cover in each session. Use a calendar or planner to stay organized.

Day 5: Review Your Reading

Start by going over any assigned readings. This includes chapters from textbooks, articles, or other required materials. Get this done early so later days can focus on deeper review.

• Use timers to stay on task—study for 25 minutes, then take a 5–10 minute break.

• Focus on understanding the big ideas, key terms, and main arguments.

Day 4: Textbook + Study Guides

Today is all about revisiting your textbook, study questions, and any guides your instructor provided.

• Quiz yourself on chapter review questions.

• Revisit diagrams, summaries, or bolded terms.

• Use techniques like highlighting, annotating, or explaining concepts out loud.

Day 3: Vocabulary Check

Whether it’s key terms, definitions, or formulas—vocab matters. Use this day to sharpen your understanding.

• Flashcards work great, especially if you shuffle them each round.

• Practice going both ways: can you define the term? Can you recall the term when given the definition?

• Try writing your own examples to reinforce the meaning.

Day 2: Dive Into Notes

Now it’s time to review your lecture notes and handouts.

• Rewrite or organize notes into outlines or concept maps.

• Identify main ideas, repeated themes, or anything your instructor emphasized.

• Try explaining tricky topics to someone else—it’s a great way to check your understanding.

Day 1: Focus on Trouble Spots

Use the last day to go over anything that’s still unclear or hard to remember.

• Revisit tough topics from the past few days: confusing terms, complicated concepts, etc.

• Don’t stress—this is your chance to clarify, not cram.

• Aim to finish your studying earlier in the day so you can relax at night and get a good night’s sleep.

Final Tip: The night before your exam, try a quick review if it helps you feel more confident—but avoid staying up late. Being well-rested is just as important as being well-prepared.

Before the Test

• Plan ahead

  • On day one, check your syllabus for exam dates and add them to your calendar/planner.

  • Schedule weekly reviews of course material.

• Study smart

  • Review your notes and focus on the material you don’t know as well.

  • Study for 20–25 minutes uninterrupted, then take a short 5–10 minute break.

  • Use active study tools like flash cards or concept maps.

  • Quiz yourself on the main points of each topic.

• Use available resources

  • Attend your professor’s office hours to check your understanding — professors are your best tutors.

  • Take advantage of tutoring, Math and Writing Centers, and academic coaching.

• Pay attention in class

  • Listen for clues from professors such as repeated information, pauses during review, or comments like “This will be on the test.”

During the Test

• Read all directions carefully before starting.

• “Brain dump” — write down important concepts, formulas, or facts as soon as the test begins.

• Start with the easiest questions/sections to build confidence and save time for harder ones.

• For essay questions, make a quick outline before writing.

• Save a few minutes at the end to review your work.

After the Test

• Attend the post-exam review class — it’s a valuable opportunity to see what you missed and why.

• Use the review to adjust your study approach for the next exam.

• Visit your professor’s office hours again to clarify misunderstandings and ask for new study strategies.

1. Preview the Test

• Skim through the entire test before starting.

• Answer the easiest questions first and mark the ones you think you know.

• On the second pass, tackle the more difficult questions — sometimes re-reading will reveal an answer.

• If time allows, review all questions and answers before submitting.

2. Strategies for Difficult Questions

• Eliminate answer choices you know are wrong.

• Cross out options that don’t fit grammatically with the question.

• Be cautious with answers containing extreme words (always, never, none, every).

3. Read the Directions Carefully

• Check if a question may have more than one correct answer.

• Pace yourself according to the time limit so you can finish.

4. Multiple Choice Tips

• If two or three answers seem correct, “all of the above” may be the right choice.

• Watch for “look-alike” options — if two are nearly identical, both are likely wrong.

• Watch for “echo” options — if two are opposites, one is often correct.

• Read the question carefully and review all answer choices before selecting.

• Avoid changing your answers unless you misread the question or discover new information during the test.

Use the checklist to feel confident on test day, and the analysis sheet to see what worked, what didn’t, and how to crush it next time: 

• Test-Taking Analysis
• Test-Taking Checklist