Multiple Choice Exams Greater University Tutoring Service Study Skills Program Improving Exam Performance Taking Multiple Choice Exams Arrive about 15 minutes early. It takes our minds and bodies about 15 minutes to acclimate to the exam room environment. By arriving early, you are sure to be physically and mentally ready by the time the exam starts. Read the exam directions carefully.
Careless mistakes can be just as costly as mistakes due to lack of knowledge.
Read the exam carefully and look for key words, such as but, except, not, always, never, most, etc. It is often helpful to mark these key words when you see them. Use recognition to your advantage. The fact that the correct answer is in front of you means that you do not have to recall it from your memory. Rather, the answers serve as cues that allow you to use your knowledge to recognize which answer is correct.