Strategies for Graduate School Exams

Just as you study differently to prepare for different kinds of exams, so should your approach to the exam itself be different.

Problem-solving questions

The first step to take when faced with a problem-solving question is to ask yourself three questions:

Stopping and asking yourself these three questions will slow you down long enough that you don't waste time answering the wrong question.

Once you have an answer, go back to the first question and verify that you have indeed found the information prompted in the problem.

To answer multiple-choice and true-false questions:

Look for the main point of each question.
Look for key words such as not, always, never, none, except, most, or least.
Look for answers that you know are wrong so you can narrow down the possible right choices.
For multiple-choice questions, try to answer the question yourself before you look at the possible choices.
Mark an answer for every question. If you're not sure about a question, you can go back later and review it if you have time.
Your first instinct is often right. Don't change your original answer unless you're sure it's wrong.

For short answer and essay questions, you are demonstrating both what you know and how well you can support your ideas. For these types of questions:

Read the entire question before you start writing. Underline key words such as define, describe, compare, or explain.
Before you begin writing, think about what you want to say and what details and examples you can use to support your ideas.
Start by responding directly to the question, and then provide supporting details.
Use a technical vocabulary that is common to your field of study.
Write quickly but legibly.
If you have extra time, proofread your answers for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling.