How to Review a Test
You’ve gotten a test back in class. You’ve taken a practice ACT or SAT. What now?
Please, I beg you, do not crumple up the test and shove it in the bottom of your backpack. You did hard work to take the test, so do the easy work to reap the benefits.
Grade the test, if it hadn’t been graded for you. Use the answer key if you have one. If you want a percentage, count up the total number of points you earned and divide by the total number of points possible, then multiply by 100. If you want a scaled score, count up the number of correct answers, calculate a raw score according to the instructions on the answer key, and convert the raw score to a scaled score using the reference table in the chart.
Reflect on the questions. Go through each question you got wrong, referring to the answer key. Decide whether you made a careless error (eg read or copied a question wrong, lost a negative sign or exponent), made a content error but understand it now, or made a content error and still don’t understand it. Label each type of question. You might use C for careless errors, a circle for error you now understand, and a question mark for questions you still don’t understand.
Look for patterns. Did you make more careless errors? Figure out how the errors happened most often. Is there one topic or area that caused you the most difficulty? Did one question type confuse you more than others?
Review content. Look through class notes, open your textbook, or google explanations to the questions that are still confusing. See if you can cross out any question marks. If you uncover the answer yourself, you may be more likely to remember it.
Ask for help. Seek out a teacher, TA, family member, or tutor to help you with the remaining question marks. If you work with someone on a regular basis, these are the questions you should have ready to discuss. Try to tackle all of the question marks while the test is still fresh in your mind.
Make a plan. What will you do differently to prepare for the next test, if anything? Will you study the same way? Will you focus more on formulas, dates, or other details? Will you practice big picture or applications questions? Will you circle the important numbers in the problem? Will you pay extra attention to negative signs?
What does your plan look like? Comment below or email robinsatty@stemsmartconsulting.com.