How to Study

You Will Follow the Instructions!
Read and understand the directions. If you’re supposed to check off
every correct answer to each question in a multiple-choice test—and
you’re assuming only one answer to each question is correct—you’re
going to miss a lot of answers!
If you’re to pick one essay question out of three, or two out of 
five, you will almost certainly run out of time if you try to answer
every one. Even if you do manage to complete all five, the teacher
will probably only grade the first two. Because you allocated so 
much time to the other three, it’s highly doubtful your first two
answers will be detailed and polished enough to earn a good grade.
If there are pertinent facts or formulas you’re afraid you’ll forget, write
them down somewhere in your test booklet before you do anything
else. It won’t take much time, and it could save you some serious
memory jogs later.
How to Study
190

---

Whom Are You Impressing on Your Way Out?
Leave time at the end to recheck your answers, and don’t make a habit
of leaving tests early. There is little to be gained from supposedly
impressing the teacher and other students with how smart you (think
you) are by being first to finish. Take the time to make sure you’ve
done your best. If you are completely satisfied with your answers 
to all of the questions, it’s fine to leave, even if you are first. But in
general, slowing down will help you avoid careless mistakes.
Likewise, don’t worry about what everybody else is doing. Even if
you’re the last person left, who cares? Everybody else could have
failed, no matter how early and confidently they strode from the
room! So take all the time you need and do the best you can.
16 Tips for “Acing” Multiple-Choice Tests