What to do if you are Really unprepared for a test
Looks, it happens to everyone. You had an essay to write, it just doesn't make sense, you didn't have the motivation, health got in the way, you didn't want to, you tried cramming but nothing stuck. Doesn't matter. Test day is here, you can't reschedule and you don't know what to do.
Here are my best tips.
1. Try to stay calm before the test. Listen to some music, look at something funny, remember that grades aren't a reflection of your worth. You won't know the answers to some questions and that is ok, but panicking might make you miss the ones you can answer.
2. Determine what you DO know. Which topics can you answer or at least guess with some authority on? Start with those on your test so if you run out of time you at least got those points in.
3. On multiple choice questions you are unsure of, see if you can eliminate any answers. You might not know which is correct, but you now have a better chance at guessing the right answer!
I usually look first for one that I am sure is wrong, then see if any answers are the exact opposite of those because they too could be wrong.
Ex.
A. DNA is read 5' to 3' -I know this is wrong
B. mRNA is read 3' to 5' -This probably is wrong because it is a direct opposite of A
I've also noticed in math you may be able to cross out answers if many other options have something in common, because the correct answer likely contains that common point (this isn't always the case though!)
Ex.
A. 4x+7
B. 4x+5
C. 4x+1
D. 3x+5 -other answers suggest the solution should have a 4x
E. 4x-5 -other answers suggest the solution should have a + sign
4. Answer any open response questions. I don't care if you don't know the answer, write down an answer with any information you DO have about the question. You may be able to get partial credit if a part of your answer is right, but you have to write it down first!
5. If you have time, reread the questions. Sometimes your brain keeps working on the problem after you move on and you might better understand it or a piece of information could come to you.
6. After your test, speak to your professor. If you are having trouble with the material they may be able answer questions or give you additional resources so that you are better prepared in the future. This is especially important if the information will come up again on a final! Depending on the class (and the person) they might also have extra credit opportunities to bring your grade up.
