Maths Exam tips

Adapted from http://www.studygs.net/tsttak6.htm

Preparation:
Begin preparing early

Pay attention during class:
Every minute you daydream in class is many more minutes of studying later.
Do assigned homework problems: math is a building process and in order to understand the next step you need to comprehend the present, and previous, ones.

Simulate test conditions:
After you have studied and think you know the material, practice it under test conditions.
Solve unassigned homework problems and see if you can finish them in the allotted time for the exam.

Find a Maths buddy in class
Not only will other students be able to help you with problems, but by helping others you will better learn the material. If you are unable teach another student a topic you believe you know, chances are you don't know that topic very well after all. If you can't teach it, you don't know it!

Testing: during the exam

Read through the exam:
With reading through the whole exam you can know what is expected of you;
prioritize items on the test;
pace yourself.

Carefully read the instructions:
Make sure you are answering the question that is being asked!
Often students know how to solve a problem, but they misread or misinterpret the question itself;

Check that you have correctly written your steps:
Don't skip steps.
Start from the beginning;
Clearly write each step of the solution
Be neat and don't rush writing numbers down.
KEEP CHECKING your solution as you are working.
Neatness makes it easier to recheck your work;
Double check your math,

Don't Dilly Dally:
If you get stuck on a problem move on and come back to it later.When you are finished, recheck all your work.

The last point is very important. Keep up your confidence for the exams! It's only a stone's throw away. Persevere and do your best, class!