Study Tips

Study TipsMany recruits have what we call “test taking anxiety”. It is very common and can cause people who know the material being tested to do poorly on a otherwise passable exam.

Here are some tips that can help you when test taking:

  1. Keep a positive attitude throughout the whole test and try to stay relaxed. If you start to feel nervous take a few deep breaths to relax.
  2. Be prepared for the test, by studying ahead of time.
  3. When you first receive your test, do a quick survey of the entire test so that you know how to efficiently budget your time.
  4. Do the easiest problems first. Don’t stay on a problem that you are stuck on, especially when time is a factor.
  5. Don’t rush, but pace yourself. Read the entire question and look for keywords.
  6. Always read the whole question carefully. Don’t make assumptions about what the question might be.
  7. If you don’t know an answer, skip it. Go on with the rest of the test and come back to it later. Other parts of the test may have some information that will help you out with that question.
  8. Don’t worry if others finish before you. Focus on the test in front of you.
  9. Be sure to keep your eyes on your test, and keep your answers covered.
  10. If you have time left when you are finished, look over your test. Make sure that you have answered all the questions. Only change an answer if you misread or misinterpreted the question, because the first answer that you put is usually the correct one.

Tips on answering multiple choice questions:

  1. Read the question before you look at the answer.
  2. Come up with the answer in your head before looking at the possible answers, this way the choices given on the test won’t throw you off or trick you.
  3. Choose THE BEST answer available.
  4. Eliminate answers you know aren’t right.
  5. Read all the choices before choosing your answer.
  6. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand a question.
  7. Always take an educated guess and select an answer if you don’t know it. You get no points for leaving an answer blank.
  8. Don’t keep on changing your answer. Usually your first choice is the right one, unless you misread the question.

*Remember: Recruits who cheat on tests will be dismissed from the program

Tips on radio codes tests:

  1. Create flashcards using index cards and write a code on one side with the definition on the other side.
  2. Review your codes throughout the week and do not cram them to study Friday night.
  3. Rewrite the codes multiple times to help you memorize them.
  4. Study in a group with your peers, platoon members, or station members.

Tips on spelling tests:

  1. Say the word while you look at it.
  2. Close your eyes, try to see the word, then spell it out loud.
  3. Look at the spelling word, cover it, then write it.
  4. Write the words several times
  5. Have someone give you a pretest throughout the week.

If you use these tips, they should help you increase your scores and increase your chances of not being so nervous when you take an exam.

Remember, the explorer academy training staff is always available to every recruit who is in need of assistance while attending the explorer academy.