Passing a multiple-choice exam requires a combination of thorough content knowledge and smart test-taking strategies. Mastering the technique can help you maximize your score even on questions where you are uncertain.

Proven Strategies for Multiple-Choice Exams:

Preview and Plan: Quickly scan the entire exam first. Note the number of questions, point values, and sections. Allocate your time based on weight and difficulty.
Answer Known Questions First: Go through and confidently answer every question you know immediately. This builds momentum, saves time, and ensures you secure those points.
Use the Process of Elimination (POE): This is your most powerful tool. Cross out obviously wrong answers first. Eliminating even one or two choices significantly increases your odds of guessing correctly among the remaining options.
Read Questions and All Answers Carefully: Look for absolute qualifiers like “always,” “never,” or “all,” which often make a statement false. Watch for “double negatives.” Identify key terms in the question stem.
Look for Clues and Patterns: Sometimes, a correct answer is hinted at in the wording of another question. Be wary of choices that are grammatically inconsistent with the question stem. If two options are opposites, one is often correct.
Manage Your Guess: If you must guess, do so intelligently after using POE. Stick with your first instinct unless you find clear evidence in the exam to change it. Avoid patterns (e.g., always choosing “C”).

For foundational study skills that prepare you for this type of test, you can read about How to study for exams in college.

For an external resource with a comprehensive list of test-taking tips and strategies, visit Cornell University’s Learning Strategies Center guide.