Test-Taking Strategies

Good test-taking strategies can add 10-15 percentile points to your NEX score without learning any new content. These techniques help you maximize the knowledge you already have.

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The Golden Rule: No Penalty for Guessing

The NEX scores based on correct answers only. There is no deduction for wrong answers. This means:

• NEVER leave a question blank — even a random guess gives you a 25% chance
• If you can eliminate even one wrong answer, your odds improve to 33%
• If you can eliminate two wrong answers, your odds are 50%

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Process of Elimination (POE)

The most powerful test-taking strategy:

1. Read the question carefully — identify exactly what is being asked
2. Read ALL answer choices before selecting one
3. Eliminate obviously wrong answers — cross them off mentally
4. Compare remaining choices — which is most accurate, complete, and supported?
5. Select the BEST answer — not just a correct answer, but the BEST answer

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Time Management by Section

Time management rules:

• Never spend more than 2 minutes on a single question
• Check your pace at the 15-minute and 30-minute marks
• Save 5 minutes at the end to review flagged questions
• If you finish early, go back and review — do not submit early

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Strategies by Question Type

Multiple Choice (Single Answer)

1. Cover the answer choices and try to answer the question first
2. Then look for your answer among the choices
3. If your answer is not there, use POE to narrow down
4. Watch for "All of the above" and "None of the above" — if you know ONE is wrong, eliminate "All of the above"

Reading Comprehension

1. Read the questions FIRST — know what you are looking for
2. Read the passage actively, noting where key information is located
3. For main idea questions: the answer covers the ENTIRE passage
4. For detail questions: the answer is stated directly in the text
5. For inference questions: the answer is logically supported by the text
6. Never use outside knowledge — only information in the passage

Mathematics

1. Estimate first — before calculating, determine the approximate answer
2. Use your calculator for complex arithmetic, but check that you entered numbers correctly
3. Check units — make sure your answer is in the correct units
4. For word problems: identify what is asked, extract numbers, set up the equation
5. For conversions: use dimensional analysis to ensure units cancel properly

Science

1. Read the question stem carefully — many science questions are specific
2. Watch for absolute words: "always," "never," "all," "none" — usually wrong
3. Choose answers that are moderate and accurate over extreme statements
4. For anatomy questions: use your knowledge of prefixes/suffixes as clues
5. Eliminate answers from the wrong body system

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

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Dealing with Test Anxiety

Test anxiety can significantly reduce your performance. These strategies help manage it:

Before the exam:

• Practice deep breathing: inhale 4 counts, hold 4 counts, exhale 4 counts
• Visualize yourself completing the exam calmly and successfully
• Get 7-9 hours of sleep the night before (and the night before that)
• Eat a balanced meal with protein and complex carbohydrates

During the exam:

• If you feel anxious, pause and take 3 deep breaths
• Remind yourself: "I prepared for this. I can handle this."
• Focus on one question at a time — do not think about the whole exam
• If a question is hard, flag it and move on — come back with fresh eyes later

Positive self-talk examples:

• "I studied for this and I am ready."
• "One hard question does not determine my whole score."
• "I can skip this and come back — there are easier points ahead."
• "I know more than I think I do."

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Test Day Checklist