Timed Test Guide

  • Jump to section

    • Simulate the Pressure

    • Brain Dump Prep

    • Digital Logistics

  • Jump to Section

    • Pass 1: The Initial Sprint

    • Pass 2: The Grind

    • Pass 3: The Clean-up

  • Jump to Section

    • True/False

    • Multiple Choice

    • Multiple Response

    • Math/Quantitative

    • Essays/Written

  • Jump to Section

    • Physical Reset

    • Box Breathing

    • The Anchor

    • Restart

Success in timed tests is less about knowing more answers and more about efficiency, momentum, and emotional regulation. The following guide breaks down strategies for before, during, and after the exam, including specific tactics for different question types and digital formats.

Phase 1: The Prep

  • Simulate the Pressure: Do not practice in a comfortable, untimed environment.1 Set a timer for slightly less time than you will actually have (e.g., give yourself 25 minutes for a 30-minute practice section). This trains your brain to function under stress. Find more resources for this here

  • The "Brain Dump" Prep:

    1. Memorize formulas, dates, mnemonics, or acronyms immediately before entering the exam.

    2. As soon as the test begins (and you are permitted to write), write these down on your scratch paper before looking at a single question.

    3. This offloads the data from your working memory so you can focus on processing.

  • Digital Logistics:

    • If taking an online test, ensure your environment is distraction-free.

    • Check if the platform allows you to "flag" questions to return to later.

    • The Grid Method for Scratch Paper (optional): Since you cannot write on the screen, draw a grid on your scratch paper. Number the boxes to match the questions. This keeps your calculations organized so if you need to check your work later, you know exactly where to look. Pair with the step 2 to do this only for the questions you do not know straight away.

    • Don't Transcribe: Do not waste time copying the full question onto your paper. Write only the essential variables or numbers.

    • Navigation Awareness: Be careful with the "Next" button. Some tests do not allow you to go back. Know the settings before you click.

Phase 2: Three-Pass Method (During the Test)

Do not start at Question 1 and stubbornly plow through to the end. Use the Three-Pass Method to maximize points. See more tips from Harvard Summer Prep School

Pass 1: The Initial Sprint

  • Scan the test (if you are able - online tests this may not be possible) to gauge length. Get an estimate for how long each question should take and use that to set a limit on each question.

  • Answer only the questions you know immediately.

  • If a question takes more than 30-60 seconds (depending on total time from the first step) or if it requires complex thinking, skip it.

The goal here is to bank all the "easy" points quickly and build momentum.

Pass 2: The Grind (Problem Solving)

  • Return to the questions you skipped

  • These are problems where you know how to do them, but they take calculation or thought.

  • Monitor your time closely. If you get stuck on one for too long, guess (if there's no penalty) and move on.

Pass 3: The Clean-Up (Guessing & Checking)

  • With remaining time, attempt the hardest problems.

  • If you are running out of time, ensure every bubble is filled (unless there is a penalty for wrong answers).

Phase 3: Tactics by Question Type

True / False

The "Contamination" Rule: If any part of the statement is false, the entire statement is False. Do not be fooled by a sentence that is 90% correct but changes one detail (like a date or a name) at the end.

Watch for Absolutes: Words like "always," "never," "all," and "none" are restrictive and difficult to defend. These often indicate the answer is False - make sure to read the whole question to make sure but this is a good guideline if you are running out of time and just need to make a guess.

Trust Qualifiers: Words like "usually," "sometimes," "generally," and "often" allow for exceptions. These often indicate the answer is True - make sure to read the whole question to make sure but this is a good guideline if you are running out of time and just need to make a guess.

Multiple Choice

Process of Elimination: Cross out obviously wrong answers first.

Work Backwards: In math, plug the answer choices into the equation rather than solving it from scratch.

Context Clues: Look for grammatical matches between the question and answer.

Ignore Patterns: Don't pay attention to which letter you have answered for the previous question. Trust your evaluation of each item independently.

Multiple Response (ie. Select all that Apply)

Treat as Separate Questions: Do not try to group the answers. Evaluate every single option individually as a "True or False" question.

Right Fact, Wrong Question: A common trap here is an option that is a factually correct statement (e.g., "The sky is blue") but does not answer the specific prompt (e.g., "What are the symptoms of the flu?"). Ensure the choice directly addresses the prompt.

Ignore Patterns: Don't worry if you select four options in a row or only one option. Trust your evaluation of each item independently.

Math / Quantitative

Estimate First: Before calculating, ask "Should the answer be big or small?" If you calculate 4,000 but estimated 40, you know you made an error.

Skip the Hardest: Hard math problems often count for the same points as easy ones. Don't sink 10 minutes into one hard problem at the cost of 5 easy ones.

Essays / Written

Strict Time Budgeting: If you have 40 minutes, spend 5 planning, 30 writing, 5 reviewing.

Outline First: Never write without a plan. A disorganized essay takes longer to write and grades lower.

Thesis First: Make your main argument clear in the first paragraph.

Phase 4: Crisis Management (If You Freeze)

If your mind goes blank or you feel panic rising, your brain has entered "fight or flight," shutting down higher-order thinking. You must physically reset your system.

  1. The Physical Reset: Put your pencil down. Close your eyes. Take a drink of water. This signals to your brain that you are safe.

  2. Box Breathing: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Do this twice.

  3. The Anchor: Pick a physical object (like your watch or the texture of the desk) and focus intensely on it for 10 seconds.

  4. Restart: Open your eyes and find an easy question (even if you already answered it) to re-engage your brain's logic centers.

Find a full talk on dealing with test taking anxiety from SFU here