(Archive December 2018) Test Taking Aids for Breathtaking Grades

By Dylan Cernoia | Observer Contributor

With finals rapidly approaching, Henrietta Martin, a tutor, shared some advice on how to study for and take tests.

When studying for a test, Martin suggested that students always check that the notes they have been taking throughout the semester are accurate, either by talking with the professor or a fellow student. She also suggested that if a student is attempting to memorize something for a class, they use flash cards or another form of visual aid.

Martin also encouraged students to break up their studying over a few days. Students trying to cram all of the knowledge in on one day tend not to remember it all, she explained. Martin also suggested that students find a friend either inside or out of the class to quiz them on the subject. 

If students are nervous about a test, Martin suggested a few things. First, students should encourage themselves, telling themselves things like “You’ve got this” or “You’ve studied really hard for this” to help build confidence before a test. Martin also said that students need to remember to drink plenty of water before a test and always take a deep breath. Martin said that she would often repeat to herself, “Twenty-four hours from now, this will all be over.” 

While taking the test itself, Martin also had some tips for students. She said that if students come across a question that is difficult and they don’t fully understand it, then they should skip it for the time being and come back to it later. Doing this not only helps you save time but also allows for the opportunity to remember it further down the road. Martin noted that sometimes a quiz will ask a question only to answer it later on in the same quiz.

Finding a tutor is also an option with walk-in tutoring found in the Academic Support Center, located in the library on the Gardner campus. Students who prefer to study at home can use the free online tutoring service, ThinkingStorm, to help them study with an actual live tutor. This service is available from 10 a.m.- 4 a.m., 7 days a week, with tutors in Math, Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Appointments can be set up for live chats.

For more detailed information about tutoring, visit the Academic Support Center’s website: https://mwcc.edu/academics/library-academic-support-center/free-tutoring/.