Test Advice from Nikita

We asked our instructors what advice they have for studying and test taking so we could share their wisdom with you. Here is Nikita's advice!

Studying:

• Create Concept Maps to visualize how ideas/topics are related to each other.
• Mixed Practice: Instead of solving problems chronologically (in the order they were learned), practice by creating a heterogeneous combination.
  • By mixing hard and simple problems, brain can retain and problem-solve more effectively.
• Teach others: Math is best learned by explaining and demonstrating the problem-solving approach to others. It also helps identify your own gaps.

Test Taking:

• When you get the test, take five minutes and quickly read over all the questions. This primes your brain to start thinking about the questions.
• Instead of solving problems in order, start with the ones that you are confident you can do perfectly.
  • Gradually move towards difficult questions
• Always read the question and re-write the given key numbers/facts. Note any formulas that may apply.
  • Show all your work in your solution and box final answer so it is clearly visible to your teacher.
  • If your handwriting is messy, label your steps: Step 1, Step 2 to allow teacher to follow your work.
• Ask questions to clarify instead of making assumptions about what the question is asking.
• Allocate 10 minutes to review and check your work.