Exam 2 Strategy

[Jaswinder]

I always get so confused and stressed when doing Exam 2s, I've read heaps of places to allocate x amount of time on multiple choice and y on extended response, however when I put such strategies to action I get stressed when I don't finish them on time and start worrying about the questions I've missed etc...
I know that such strategies are not generic and have different effect on people, but I am interested in knowing how you guys deal with such situations and how do you tackle Exam 2s? Thanks

[Planck's constant]

Jaswinder,

If your graduation year is 2014, aren't you starting to stress too early

[eddybaha]

personally i do as many multiple choice as possible in reading time then just go from start to finish as soon as writing time begins.

[BubbleWrapMan]

personally i do as many multiple choice as possible in reading time then just go from start to finish as soon as writing time begins.

Yeah this is pretty much the best way to knock over the multiple-choice as quickly as possible, which you should do since you don't need to show working. In reading time, try to think of ways you can find the answer as quickly as possible on your calculator, or even work out the answer in your head if possible.

That said, you should at least spend a couple of minutes reading the extended-response section just so you know what's there. You should do that at the start of reading time, devoting the remaining time to multiple-choice so they're fresh in your mind when writing time starts and you can charge through them.

[Lejn]

I do kind of differently to what's above. Given that I want maximum marks from where they are, I spend the 15 analysing the extended response. As a result I can nut out anything that looks a bit pestering, and prepare myself for what needs defining, what I'm going to need to graph and how I'm going about all those marks. I leave myself with 45-30 minutes for the Multiple choice, which I work through at a pretty slow pace to ensure that I don't lose cheap marks here (and this happens best when I complete them last, because I'm not concerned about cutting into my ER time).

[Lakkattack]

I do kind of differently to what's above. Given that I want maximum marks from where they are, I spend the 15 analysing the extended response. As a result I can nut out anything that looks a bit pestering, and prepare myself for what needs defining, what I'm going to need to graph and how I'm going about all those marks. I leave myself with 45-30 minutes for the Multiple choice, which I work through at a pretty slow pace to ensure that I don't lose cheap marks here (and this happens best when I complete them last, because I'm not concerned about cutting into my ER time).

I do the same. Its so much better, cause even if you are pressed with time, you can at least guess the multiple choice:) Its harder to think quickly with ER:)

[Lejn]

I do the same. Its so much better, cause even if you are pressed with time, you can at least guess the multiple choice:) Its harder to think quickly with ER:)

Nice to know I'm not alone haha. I've never ran out of time, but it's really handy to have that as a failsafe. Plus if you're only a little pressed, you can at least pick off the easy MC and then only have to guess the hard ones. I guess I would say it's just the safest, and after my methods debacle I'll take safety everyday.

[barydos]

I personally read through all the questions and make a mental note of any key terms, domains, bolded items, trick questions, and things to keep in mind when I actually do the questions. (heavy emphasis on READ THE QUESTION here)

Then I do as many MC questions as I can, before reading time is over. I do my exam in order start to finish.