Problem-Solving Test Strategies

Power up your test-prep by practicing the types of questions you’ll be asked to solve on your exam. In addition to practicing problem solving test questions, having a plan for approaching these types of exams can maximize your studying, increase test-taking efficiency, and improve your academic success.  

Before the Test 

Try these five strategies to prepare for tests with problem solving questions: 

  1. Actively review class notes, assigned readings, and lectures. List major concepts and formulas; highlight topics and problems your professor emphasized; and make connections between concepts, formulas, and problems. 

  1. Solve practice problems - lots of them! This is one of the best ways to prepare for problem solving tests, and research shows it’s one of the best ways to study and learn material period (Dunlosky et al., 2013). For additional practice, try solving problems that weren’t assigned.
     

  2. Analyze your process.

  • Is your solution correct? If not, where did you go wrong? 
  • What concepts and formulas did you apply? What methods did you use? 
  • Have you seen this problem before?  
  • Is it similar or dissimilar to other problems you’ve done? 
  • How does your solution compare with other examples? 
  • Could this problem be worked another way? Can you simplify what you did? 
Student sitting across the couch with a laptop and notebook
Clock

  1. Write what you did and why next to each step (in your own words). This is self-explanation, and it is recommended as a problem-solving strategy to actively learn steps to each process and to see where you have gaps in knowledge (Gurung & Dunlosly, 2023).
     

  2. Simulate a test-taking experience. 

  • Work on problems out of sequence. For example, work a problem from Chapter 7, then one from Chapter 5, then one from Chapter 10. This approach can also illustrate how different problems relate to and build on one another. This is a strong study strategy called Interleaved Practice, and we can’t recommend it enough! 
  • Work within a time limit. Aim to solve as many problems as you’ll have on the test within the same time limit as the test.  
  • Create a practice test. An easy way to do this is to cut and paste a test together using your homework problems or in-class examples. Ask your instructor if they have any practice tests too! 

During the Test 

Here are eight strategies to consider using during the test: 

  1. Before starting, do a “brain dump.” Jot down formulas, relationships, and definitions that you need to remember. 

  1. Review the whole test. As you do this … 

  • Skim the questions. Identify high- and low-point value problems, as well as easier and more difficult problems. 
  • Develop a general plan for your work. For example, is there a section you want to start with? 
  • Plan your time. Allow more time for high-point value problems, and reserve time at the end for reviewing your work. 

  1. Start with problems you feel confident about. This can help reduce test anxiety and facilitate clear thinking. 

Closeup of hand writing in a notebook with math formulas coming out of the pen
Lightbulb with math formulas inside

  1. Approach complex problems carefully. Mark key words; sketch a picture of the problem; and identify knowns and unknowns using symbols, tables, or diagrams (Intaros et al., 2013). You can also try listing all the formulas you consider relevant to the problem and anticipating the characteristics of the solution (for example, the units or range of your answer). If allowed, ask questions about any unknown vocabulary. 

  1. Follow each step of your solution method carefully. Check each step for consistency in notation and units. Track work thoroughly and neatly so it’s legible.   

  1. Evaluate your solutions. Look back at the question to check if your answer is reasonable and the units match. 

  1. Try all the test problems! If your mind goes blank, try not to worry. Take a moment, breathe, try a different problem, and reset! Even if you aren’t sure what the solution is, consider jotting down as much information as you can in case you can get partial credit. 

  1. If you can’t find a solution: 

  • Think back to similar practice problems 
  • Work backwards 
  • Substitute simple numbers for unknowns to minimize abstract thinking (Intaros et al., 2013) 
  • Break down the complex problem into a series of smaller steps  
  • Mark the problem and return to it later. You may find clues in other problems that will help you find a solution. 
Closeup of someone writing on an exam
Student at home reviewing exam in front of laptop

After the Test 

Analyze returned problem-solving tests using these five strategies: 

  1. Read all comments and suggestions from your professor. 

  1. Locate the source of the test questions. Did they come from the lectures? Textbook? Homework? 

  1. Notice any alterations. How were the test problems changed from those in the notes, text, or homework? 

  1. Determine the source of your errors. This helps you identify patterns in your answers and where you can improve in the future. 

  • Did your errors result from a mistake? For example, did you fail to carry a negative sign? 
  • Did you misread questions? For example, did you miss a piece of data? 
  • Did you consistently miss the same type of problem? Identify what lecture or chapters those problems were likely pulled from. 
  • Did you remember formulas incorrectly? 
  • Were you unable to finish the test because you ran out of time? 
  • Were you unable to solve problems because you didn’t practice similar ones? 
  • Did you have difficulty on the test because it was difficult to focus? 

  1. Spend some time reworking the questions you missed. If you’re still unsure, reach out to your professor or TA. Make sure you feel confident approaching these problems if they show up on another exam or cumulative final. 

Student meeting with a professor to go over exam