[Cusom28] Reminders: Tips for Exam-Taking

[Hinkelman, Amy N.]

Class of 2028,

You've got this!  Just a few reminders on "Tips for Exam-Taking":


  1.  Get SLEEP

If you are trying but find yourself unable to sleep the night before, then conserve as much energy as possible.  Close your eyes, rest the mind and body by breathing, listening to calm music, etc.  And, try not to get frustrated-as this will only lead to more anxiety, stress, and energy consumption.  Rest without sleep is better than energy exertion without sleep.

  1.  Do a brain dump at the beginning of the exam (e.g., mnemonics, formulas, pathways, etc.)-things that you might easily mix up as your brain gets tired during the exam.
  2.  TRUST YOUR FIRST INSTINCT!  Unless, you have an epiphany, leave it alone!  Don't change your answer choice just because you are "unsure you're right".  Don't second-guess yourself-if you still just can't help it, maybe try only allowing yourself to have three second-guesses per exam.
  3.  Just answer the question.  If it seems too straightforward or easy-then, bravo-you've prepared well and know the content.  Answer the question and move onto the next.
  4.  Pace yourself-move at a comfortable speed-don't rush.  If you find yourself spending too much time on a question, choose an answer, and move on.
  5.  Breathe and take a 60-second break as needed (for refocusing, reducing anxiety, and/or pacing your energy use).
  6.  Avoid overanalyzing!  (Again, just answer the question.  Refocus-what is the question asking?)  If you fall into this trap, choose an answer choice, flag it, and come back to it later.
  7.  Use your scratch paper to track more difficult questions or questions that are "negatives"-so you can ground yourself.

Go forth and conquer!
Dr. Hinkelman

"Just believe in yourself. Even if you don't, pretend that you do, and at some point, you will." -Venus Williams



Amy Hinkelman, PhD | she/her/hers
[A button with "Hear my name" text for name playback in email signature]<https://www.name-coach.com/amy-hinkelman>
Associate Professor of Microbiology and Immunology
Director of CUSOM Academic Center of Excellence
School of Osteopathic Medicine | Campbell University
Post Office Box 4280 | Buies Creek, North Carolina 27506
Levine 160| 910-814-5209 | medicine.campbell.edu
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