Amazing Secrets Smart Students Have Tucked Under Their Belts For Years And Start Getting Better Test

Though there are hundreds of studies that suggest that many tests aren't a true measure of your intelligence or potential for success, the reality is most universities still rely on them to measure a student's academic acumen.

Because of this, it is important that you learn how to do well on a test and succeed in college to further your post-college potential for career success.

Test Taking Strategies

So what can you do to boost your test scores without necessarily committing more time to the library?

Fortunately there are hundreds of time tested strategies that smart students have been using for years. The tips listed below will help boost your test scores without committing you to countless hours in the library.

Test Tips of Test Smart Students

    Study two days prior to your test to retain the maximum amount of information possible.
    Perform a brief "re-cap" or self test the day before the test. Only spend 20 minutes or less reviewing material.
    Study in a non-distracting environment in 1-2 hour intervals.
    Be sure to highlight key points in the text and read over each chapter summary to refresh your knowledge on a particular subject.
    Talk with your professor at least a week prior to the test and go over your study strategy. Your professor can point out gaps in your thinking and you will ensure you study all the 'essential' information that will be on the test.
    Fuel your brain with energy food prior to your test. Bran muffins, complete breakfasts and fruit are all good choices. Candy bars and coffee are not.
    Get a good night's sleep the night prior to your test. You can find plenty of time to party the night after your big test.
    Make sure you know where your test is being held and show up 15 minutes early to relieve pre-test anxiety.
    Read all the instructions on your test carefully. Nine out of Ten mistakes can be attributed to a misunderstanding of test requirements.
    Be sure to ask the professor if you are unclear on any points or questions.
    If you are trying to remember a lot of dates or specific facts, answer all the test questions with this information first, so you don't have to worry about remembering everything for the entire test.
    Sit in a secluded and non distracting area of the classroom so you can take your test in peace.
    Go with your gut instinct and don't change answers when reviewing your test. Your first instinct is usually the right one.

Smart test takers also reduce anxiety before a test by taking some deep breaths and relaxing. Keep in mind the more you stress out about a test the less likely you are to do well. Consider a 5 minute meditation just prior to your test to clear your mind of restless thoughts.

How To Design A Map Quiz That Even A Cartographer Would Love

Q. How can I design an interesting map quiz?

A. You can't. At least you can't if you intend to design a map quiz where you draw some geographical areas and then ask "Where is South America?". While that would definitely qualify as a map quiz, it wouldn't make the grade of an "interesting" map quiz.

There is a thin line between geography quiz and map quiz. Once you cross that line, and get away from the simple geography, you can make a map quiz downright interesting.

For example, you might design a map quiz that asks questions about how maps are actually made. A lot of people don't realize the magic that is needed to represent a round world on a flat piece of paper. Questions along this line could be very enlightening.

Another great set of map quiz questions could deal with how to navigate a ship using charts and a pair of dividers. You could ask them to determine how many nautical miles it is between two points.

Maybe you'd like to combine a map quiz with a scavenger or treasure hunt. Bury something valuable somewhere and then create treasure maps. The map quiz could ask questions that can only be answered by reading the map. As each question gets answered the person gets closer to finding the prize.

Another great idea would be to present a complex problem that has to be solved by being able to read and understand a map thoroughly. Here's an example:

You have 10 days vacation and decide to take a car trip around the United States.

You can drive no more than 10 hours per day and you can drive no faster than 55 miles per hour.

Your trip must start and end in the same State. Other than that, you may not visit any state more than once.

You must exit a state at the opposite border that you entered it from. For example, if you entered a state from the North, you must exit from the South. if you entered from the Northeast, you must exit from the Southwest.

At the end of each 10 hour period you must spend the night (14 hours) in a town or city whose name contains the letter "e".

Using the map, mark your daily route, including the number of miles driven, and circle the name of the town or city that you spent the night in. Be sure to write the day # as well.

The person who visits the most states in the 10 day period wins.

That ought to be a map quiz that will be remembered for some time to come.