Test-Taking Myths Demystified
October 01, 2007
Test-Taking Myths Demystified
By Sandra Choron, taken from the College Outlook, Fall 2007
They plague us from grade school on up, and if you haven’t had enough of them in school, know that each day of your life, no matter what you pursue, you will be tested – by co-workers, by your bosses, by those who will consider using your services. But these tests, thankfully, will take a different form. For the time being, your college test scores are of the greatest concern. But what do they really say about you and your future? These myths – and their realities – should give you some comfort.
The myth: They accurately measure how much you know. The reality: No they don’t. They measure how much you know about a given subject at a given time, and unless it’s a final exam, a test doesn’t even cover your knowledge of the whole subject. Even if the French Revolution is your hobby and you know everything there is to know about it, chances are you’ll do better on a test about Vietnam, if that’s what you’ve been studying because the studied information will be uppermost in your mind. Remember that when it comes to exams, test-taking skills are as important as your knowledge of the information itself. Consider also the other variables that can affect your performance: everything from your physical state on the day of the test (Twinkies and Red Bull for breakfast can seriously mess with your ability to concentrate) to the atmosphere in which the test was taken. Be as prepared as you can be.
The myth: They reflect the type of student you are. The reality: If you’re a gifted student but aren’t keeping up with your classes, you won’t do well on tests simply because you won’t know what to expect. Likewise, if you’re not naturally studious but take careful notes on a particular subject that truly interests you, you’ll do well when tested. The trick is to find a way to make each of your studies of special interest. Does your reading on the subject of political science hold a special relevance to your own world view? How do your studies of twentieth-century literature affect your understanding of rap music? True interest in a subject will give you a perfect entrée to the world it represents. If a particular subject bores you to tears, try to connect with someone who finds it fascinating. Make an attempt to see the world through their eyes. Even a spark of interest can be fanned into a flame.
The myth: Smart people are good test-takers. The reality: Some people are good test-takers and some people are wonderful essayists, and sometimes both come in one package. More often than not, they don’t. Don’t ever let one (or two or three) bad grades make you feel stupid. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Even people who do well on most tests have their bad days. If you’re a bad test-taker, try to enroll in seminars instead of lecture classes. The smaller the class, the more likely it is that a professor will assign papers rather than giving tests. You can ask the professor before you sign up for the class how many tests you will be given and what their format will be. You might also check out a course in test-taking skills, study methods, and relaxation techniques, all of which can enhance your performance.
The myth: If you don’t do well on tests, you probably won’t succeed in college. The reality: If you don’t do well on tests, you don’t do well on tests. You can still succeed in college and in life by reading books, writing papers, and participating in class; that is, by truly learning and understanding the material that is presented to you. If you know you are challenged by tests, try discussing the problem with your instructor. He or she can possibly point out good ways to prepare for the exams. At the very least, if your test scores are low, let your instructor know that you are concerned (and make sure your essays are perfect!). Remember that your teachers are assigned to hundreds of students; try to make a personal impression that will help override your test-taking shortcomings.
The myth: Your future depends upon them. The reality: In the first place, your academic standing isn’t based solely only your test scores. Are you participating as much as you can? Are you suggesting extra-credit projects that may minimize the damage done by a low test score? Is your attendance perfect? Even if you’re planning on attending graduate school and are therefore facing the GREs, MCATs or LSATs, your admission will be based on many components, only one of which is your test score. Your application, your letters of recommendation, your academic records, and your work experience will all be factored into the final decision. Furthermore, ;you’ll be thrilled to know that once you’ve become gainfully employed and settled in your career, those pages and pages of multiple choice questions will be largely behind you. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Sandra Choron and her husband, Harry, are authors of College in a Can.
