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Explanation of how to prepare for taking tests in to get good grades. Also refer to study, exams, quiz, performance, preparation, education, self-improvement, excellence, training, motivation, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Preparation Needed to Excel in Tests

by Ron Kurtus (8 February 2003)

Preparing for a test is almost as important as actually taking the test. You need to prepare mentally or psychologically, You need to prepare with knowledge of the subject, and you must be in good physical condition to take the test.

Questions you may have include:

• How can I mentally prepare for a test?
• Isn't knowledge the only important thing?
• What does physical condition have to do with it?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Preparing mentally or psychologically

You must be mentally or psychologically prepared for a test, just like an athletic team must be mentally prepared for a big game.

Factors involved

The first step in being mentally prepared is to be motivated by the importance of test to you. Then set a goal of the type of grade you want to get.

Next, be aware of the difficulty of test and the challenge it will present. Finally, be confident and sure of your knowledge of the subject matter and in your ability to perform in a test.

Then you are ready to do your best.

Learn from championship teams

The lesson from championship teams is that they never take a game or an opponent for granted. They realize the importance of each game and prepare the same way, whether the opponent is strong or weak. They have a goal of doing their best at all times and reaping the rewards from winning.

Some get overconfident

Some students get overconfident and don't prepare properly for the test. These students should check Avoid Goofing Up Tests for ways to rectify that situation.

Preparing your knowledge

Obviously, you should have learned the material well before the test. The preparations you make concerning your knowledge relates to reviewing the material. Different types of classes require different types of study.

Study of facts

If a test is concerned with how well you remember facts, don't study for it be trying to memorize everything. Rather, learn concepts and memorize key words.

Cramming

I have a friend who would always cram for his exams. He never seemed to study, until just before a test when he would stay up all night. He got good grades because of his excellent short-term memory, but I think he forgot much of what he had learned through this method.

This method may work for some students, but I don't recommend it myself.

Problem solving study

For tests in the sciences, doing a good job on your homework usually is the best way to prepare, since these tests often concern problem solving. Memorization for these tests doesn't work as well. Understanding is more important.

Preparing physically

Your physical condition affects your mental abilities. You should watch what you eat and drink before taking a test and get plenty of rest. Also, being in good physical shape allows for more blood to get to your brain.

Watch sugar and food

You usually want to be alert before a test. It is not a good idea to have sugary drinks or a heavy meal before a test. This is because you can get sleepy. Much of your blood goes to your stomach instead of your brain, where you really need the oxygen for thinking.

Get sleep

Some students seem to be able to do well on a test after staying up all night, but most need a good night's sleep to be at their best. In general, if you are tired, you are not as effective as if you are well rested.

Get regular exercise

A person who gets regular physical exercise has a body and mind that uses its oxygen more effectively than someone completely out of shape. Even exercising a few days before a test can make a noticeable difference on your thinking powers.

Say no to drinks

For college students old enough to drink, alcohol before a test is not a good idea. You should not have such drinks for at least three days before a test or your mind may be like mush.

Summary

Being good at tests is important. You can improve your test-taking abilities by knowing how to prepare for a test. This means to get yourself up psychologically and ready to perform at your best. Of course, you must study and know the material upon which you will be tested. Finally, you should be well-rested and mentally alert for the test.

Answers to Readers' Questions

The motto is to be prepared

Resources

The following are resources on this subject.

Websites

Good Grades Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Taking Tests

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. Why should you get psyched up for a test?

2. What is the best way to prepare your knowledge of the material?

3. Why should you be careful of sugary drinks before a test?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a Champion in School studies. If you had problems, look over the material again.

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