How to Study for a Multiple Choice Exam

Multiple choice does not have to be synonymous with "multiple guess." Follow these study tips to improve your confidence and performance on multiple choice style exams.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. List main topics that will be covered on the exam. Topic headings should include key ideas covered in class and in the the course text.
2. List all subordinate details you can think of for each main topic. Again, details should come from the course notes and textbook.
3. Brainstorm possible exam questions your professor might ask based on the lists you have made.
4. Answer the questions you come up with, and elaborate on the answers as much as possible. The key is understanding the material, not just memorizing it for one time use.
5. Highlight questions or insecurities you may still have. Ask classmates for help, or, even better, ask the professor directly as soon as possible.
6. Have fun studying. It may sound like an oxymoron, but, in many cases, you have opted to take this course for a particular reason and you are paying for it. So make the most of it and enjoy.

Tips & Warnings

• Study with classmates (as long as you can stay on task). Share notes and interpretations of class topics. Write questions for each other and defend your answers.
• Begin studying far in advance. That way, you can do a little each day, rather than spending hours the night before a test.