Published
Quick question:
"When do you usually finish your tests?"
When you take a test, are you one of the first people to finish and leave the room, or are you one of the ones who uses the entire testing time to make sure that you've done it right? And how is it working for you?
I know for me, I like to use the entire testing time to check (and then recheck) my answers. I'm always afraid that I'll fill in the wrong circle on the Scantron and miss that question! I'm usually one of the last people to leave the room after a test, but so far it seems to be working for me. I know that if I rush I'll mess up or make a simple mistake. My first A&P 1 test is Tuesday, and I'm sure that I'll be one of the last ones to leave after the test. But that's just me, how about you?
Thanks.
I am never the first one out and never the last one out. Last semester, our instructor gave us tests where we couldn't go back to a question after answering it. At first that made me nervous, but I found that it actually worked well for me. This semester our tests are set up so that we can go back and change answers. I take longer because I feel compelled to go back over the questions before clicking on "submit". Also, I find that when I am unsure of an answer, it's hard to get that question out of my mind throughout the rest of the test. When I had no option of going back, it was off my mind and I was more clear headed for the test. Bottom line, I am somewhere in the middle. I do well. I try not to change answers because generally, that is the wrong move. I wouldn't mind staying the whole time. But I can never stretch it out that long. There comes a point when I need to be done with it already. :-)
It's been over 8 years since I graduated nursing school, but I was always one of the last 2 or 3 left in the room when taking tests. I would always start by answering the questions I knew and leaving the ones I wasn't sure about blank. Then when I was done answering all the questions, I would go back to the ones I had left blank so I could spend some time thinking about them. I think I technically "failed" one test during nursing school and it was just by a couple of points since the scoring system is so high as compared to other classes. I always passed every class though.
I was always the first one out the door and got B+/A- grades generally and my best friend in the program would either be second or third to last and she got the same grades as I would usually. Everyone has a different approach, just find what works for you!
I'm generally a "know it or don't" person and she really liked to take her time and then go back and check every answer. For me, I noticed that when I did change an answer, it would go from correct to incorrect most of the time.
I was almost always the first one to finish, but never the first to hand it in and leave. I'd say I was one of the first 5 or 6 to hand it in. Either I know the material or I don't, simple as that. I did notice if I took a long time to take a test, my scores were not as good as the other test grades. I will second guess myself and change answers given too much time.
I'd take the test (I test very fast, always have). And then go back and 'retake' the test, rereading the questions, thinking about the answers, picking my answer and then double checking to make sure I filled in the right bubble on the scantron.
Did very well in school grade wise.
For my NCLEX-PN I took 85 questions in 20 minutes. Passed
For my NCLEX-RN I had 113 questions, took me 40 minutes. Passed.
I say whatever works for you. If your a fast tester and its working for you, go with it. If you are a slower tester and it works for you, go with it. :)
I don't rush through tests, and I double-check to make sure all questions are answered. But when I'm done with that double-check, I turn it in/hit Submit. I don't linger.
I'm usually somewhere in the middle: not too fast, not too slow. And as I have a 4.0, I must be doing something right.
However, do what works best for YOU.
emde
100 Posts
Same here. I'm a straight A student, and most of the time I'm the last one. 4.0 GPA