Quantitative/Math Test Preparation Tips

• Practice makes perfect -- and that especially true about math. If you want to succeed in math repetition is the key. Learn how to recognized when and why you should use a specific method to solve a math problem and then keep on practicing.
  
  
• Make sure to work on practice math problems for each topic -- rangning in levels of difficult.
  
  
• Always try to figure out practice problems by yourself first. only refer to the answers if you're unable to figure out the problem or for checking your work.
  
  
• Practice a variety of different questions in a different order when you're reviewing so you'll learn when to use a specific methods or formula.
  
  
• Create a study sheet with all of the formulas and methods you need to know and memorize them.
  
  
• One of the testing taking strategies that many successful students employ is to write down all of the important formulas and equations in the margin as soon as they receive their test. If you quickly write down all of the key formulas in the margin as soon as you receive your test you'll be able to refer back to the formulas during the test and you'll be sure that you don't forget them.
  
  
• As with any test, make sure to read all of the directions before answering each question. Many questions may have multiple parts so make sure to answer each part of each question.
  
  
• When you are able, estimate the answer to each question before figuring out the correct answer. For example, if you are ask to provide and answer for 108 / 11 = ? you can expect your answer should be around 10. So if you end up with answer such as 30, you'll know your answer probably isn't correct.
  
  
• On math tests it especially important that you show all your work. For many professors and teachers how you arrive at your answer if often just as important as the answer itself. Providing your work will show your thought process and will often get you partial credit if you have the wrong answer.
  
  
• If you aren't sure what the right answer is try to figure it out anyway -- and show your work. Don't give up and don't erase your answer. Write down everything you think is relevant because you may get partial credit.
  
  
• If you have extra time after finishing test make sure to go back and check all your answers. One of the best ways to check your answer is to redo each math problem on a separate sheet of paper. Redoing each problem and comparing your answers will help you determine if you answer each problem correctly the first time. If your new answer to a question doesn't match your first answer then reread the directions carefully to make sure you understand the question, check to make sure you copied all the numbers correctly and verify that your arithmetic is correct.