Application Assignment – Math Test Taking
Preparation Necessary for Application Assignment:
At least two weeks before your application assignment is due (and maybe more
since you need to coordinate with when your next test will be given):
□ Before your next math test, read the 2 documents below:
“Preparing for a Math Test” and
“Taking a Math Test”
□ Choose 4 test taking strategies from the document “Preparing for a Math Test” to try
before your next math test.
□ Choose 4 test taking strategies from the document “Taking a Math Test” to try
during your next math test.
To Turn in:
After your math test, answer the following questions in complete sentences according
to your most recent test from your Math class:
1. What 4 test taking strategies off the document “Preparing for a Math Test” did you
use before your test?
2. What 4 test taking strategies off the document “Taking a Math Test” did you use
during your test?
3. How effective were these strategies for you? Be specific.
4. What did you learn that you can apply to your next exam?
5. What grade did you receive on your test?
6. Was the grade you received what you expected? (if you are not able to answer this
question at the time the Application Assignment is due you will be given a grade of
“NC” and will be asked to complete this part of the assignment and resubmit it. You
will still be able to receive full credit once this question is answered.)
Preparing for a Math Test
Begin preparing early:
- pay attention during class, do assigned homework problems
- review daily, weekly, and then do a major review one week before your exam.
Don’t just memorize formulas- Make up a sheet will all the formulas you need to know and learn them.
Make sure that you understand the concepts involved. Concepts will stay in your memory longer and are
less likely to be forgotten under the stress of a test.
Form a study group - not only will other students be able to help you with problems, but by helping others
you will better learn the material. If you are unable to teach another student a topic that you believe you
know, chances are you don’t know that topic very well after all.
Know the vocabulary.
- Know the terminology related to tests in general: explain, define, identify, list, etc.
- Know the terminology related to your test topic: simplify, reduce, factor, solve, rationalize, etc.
PRACTICE! PRACTICE! PRACTICE! Repetition is important in math. The way to study for a math
test is by working mixed problems in chapter reviews, old tests the professor has made available, and review
books. It’s not enough to be familiar with the material; you should have worked so many problems that the
material is now easy for you.
Use study helps - Use checklists and flashcards
Do practice tests
- Create sample tests for yourself from study guides and class notes that have the correct answers
listed so you can check your solutions.
- Test yourself often
- Simulate test conditions - Do some timed practice tests or sets of problems, and make sure the
problems are mixed. You want to mimic the testing situation as closely as you scan while you study for
your exam.
- During the practice tests, check all results, just as you will during the test.
Take care of yourself - Get plenty of sleep the night before the test. Sleep is essential for higher order
thinking. Eat right.
Check your materials - paper, pencil, erasers, calculator, graph paper, batteries, ruler, etc.
Know your calculator - if you are not familiar with how a particular calculator works, your calculations
may be incorrect or it may slow you down.
Ideas taken from the following websites:
http://www.txstate.edu/slac/math/skills/ttstratg.html
www.testtakingtips.com/test/math.htm
www.studygs.net/tsttak6.htm
http://regentsprep.org/regents/math/math-tips.cfm
http://wc.pima.edu/~carem/MATHTEST.html
www.vcsa.uic.edu/MainSite/departments/ace/home/math.htm
Taking a Math Test
Create your own formula chart - When you first get the actual test, write down any key formulas on the
margin of your paper so if you forget them when you’re in the middle of the test you can look back at the
formula.
Scan the exam
Know what is expected of you - note how many questions there are and decide where you would like to
begin; it is recommended that you do the ones you know best first.
Prioritize items on the test - Look at the points given for problems and think of how to get the most points in
the quickest amount of time.
Pace yourself - Be aware of time, the problems which are worth more in point value should receive more
time. If you get stuck on a problem move on and come back to it later. Oftentimes, while solving a new
problem, you will get an idea s to how to attack that difficult problem.
Read the directions carefully and completely before beginning - don’t take it for granted that the directions
are the same as on our homework/class work. Don’t forget to answer all parts of the question. Make sure you
are answering the questions that is being asked! Often student know how to solve a problem, but they misread
or misinterpret the question itself.
Clearly show each step of the solution - many instructors give partial credit if you miss the answer but have
the procedure correct. Don’t erase your entire work even if you know the answer is wrong because you may get
partial credit for using the correct procedure.
When necessary start over on a clean sheet of paper - If you know the answer to a question is incorrect, and
you cannot find your mistake, start over on a clean piece of paper. Oftentimes when you try to correct a
problem, you continually overlook the mistake. Starting over on a clean piece of paper will let you focus on the
question, not on trying to find the error.
Remain confident! Do not get flustered! Focus on what you DO know, not on what you do not know. You
know a LOT of math!!
Check all results using the following methods:
Plug your answer back into the problem to make sure it works (this is particularly important for word
problems)
Estimate the answer to make sure your answer is in the right ball park.
Check for careless errors:
Double check + and - signs.
Double check that the decimal place is in the right place.
Double check that you copied the problem correctly.
Double check your calculator work. The chances of hitting a wrong number are high, but the chances of
hitting the same wrong number are not.
If time allows at the end of the test, rework the problems using an alternative method or rework the problem
without looking at your original attempt.
Use all your time - Give yourself the entire test period to finish and do not get spooked because others leave
early. You do not know that they completed the entire exam.