Passing Multiple Choice Exams

In the spirit of the season for multiple choice customs exams, I've created a list of strategies to help make multiple choice exams less intimidating. Passing these exams are largely in part due to how well you take the exam and your approach towards narrowing down to the correct answer. Let's take a closer look.

1. Practical Preparation

So you're about to take a time limited, open book, multiple choice exam - then you should practice as such. Use previous year's exams (if available) or take courses that offer multiple choice, compile and use your "open book" reference materials and limit the time you have to answer by timing yourself.

2. Low Hanging Fruit

Go through the entire exam and first answer the questions you're confident you know the right answer to and make marks beside the skipped questions that you will return to. You don't want to run out of time with unanswered questions you could have easily gotten marks for.

3. Deductive Method

Cross out the answers that are evidently wrong and work backwards towards the correct answer.

4. Take a Breather

The worst thing you can do is stress yourself out. Take 30 second breaks if you feel you need them and come back refreshed and ready to take on the rest of the test. It can make all the difference.

5. Trick Questions

If you feel there are two correct answers, ask yourself which one is completely true under no conditions or assumptions - this is the correct answer. Stay away from answers that use definite terms such as "always" or "never".

6. Take a Second Glace

Any left over time should be used rereading the questions and answers. Don't be afraid to change your first answer! We are human, we make mistakes, so try to catch of few of yours if you have the extra time.

7. Longest Answer

If all else fails, choose the answer that is the longest. Likely, the exam writer gave it the most thought and overloaded it with details that make it correct.