When they think about tests, students normally freak out and start to panic because tests are a big deal: they can either increase or decrease your grade. But in all reality, you just need to plan accordingly. When taking tests it is best that you study. Studying is very important because it can increase your confidence and self-esteem. It can also reduce anxiety about deadlines. Good study skills can improve your ability to learn and retain knowledge.

Here are some test taking strategies these seniors use. Daonne Wallace explained, “I study a little bit at a time, don’t cram it all in before a test, and I study it over a few days.”
Wallace said, “You have to make sure you have time management, make sure you keep a planner, use sticky notes to keep notes on, prepare yourself days in advance so you don’t feel so overwhelmed, stay after school to get help.”

Melanie Rivera Nunez also felt taking the time to prepare helps alleviate stress. “You should grab a piece of paper and write down the key concepts,” she said.

There are different types of test taking strategies. You could use sticky notes, Quizlet, quizzes, etc., to make sure you are prepared for your test. “Because coming up with testing strategies will benefit your grade, and you won’t be as stressed,” Daonne Wallace said.

It takes a few attempts to fully understand what test taking strategies are for you. There are so many options you can choose from, you just have to see what works best for you. Senior Mariah Canada said, “I tried different things over time and I found out what works for me.”

Don’t give up if you don’t get that good grade on your test. You can always study even harder next time and get a better score, instead of over-stressing yourself.