How to Get a Last Minute Passing Grade on a Mathematics Exam

If you’re facing a math exam that you don’t feel prepared for, the first thing you should do is take some deep breaths and relax. Doing poorly on a single exam is not the end of the world. If you find yourself in a bind, with a math exam fast approaching, there are a few steps you can take to help boost your grade. These include sleeping well, eating healthy, studying smartly, and approaching the exam the right way.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Taking the Exam

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1
Carefully read the directions given for each problem. Many students lose points on math exams because they read over the directions too fast and don’t do exactly what is required. Read the instructions over slowly and more than once to keep yourself from making simple, avoidable errors.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Pay attention to keywords in the instructions, like “solve” or “show your work.”
2
Solve the problems you know first. Since your math exam will likely be timed, it is important to manage your time well. If you come across a difficult problem that you don’t know how to solve, skip over it and save it for later. Once you answer all the easy questions, you can come back to the more difficult ones.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If you spend too much time trying to solve a difficult problem, you may not have time to answer problems later in the exam that you can solve.
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3
Use all the time allowed for the exam. Whatever you do, don’t turn in the exam until your instructor says that time is up. If you finish answering all the questions before the end of the exam period, double-check all your answers, and reread all the directions. Make sure you didn’t make any simple, avoidable mistakes.^{[3]XResearch source}
- As you double-check your answers, you may even recall other information that didn’t initially come to mind.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Studying for the Exam

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1
Create a relaxing and distraction-free study space. Keep your computer, phone, TVs, and gaming systems in another room. Make sure you have a comfortable chair. Clear the desk or table at which you’ll be studying of everything except your class notes and math textbook.^{[4]XResearch source}
- Your local library would be a great distraction-free place to study.
- Let friends and family know you’ll be unavailable to talk during your study session.
2
Change study spaces during your review session to improve retention. When studying, the brain makes associations between what you’re studying and your physical surroundings. Moving to a different room during your study session can allow your brain to make more associations.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Before settling on a new study spot, make sure it is also free of distractions.
3
Rework problems from homework assignments and other tests. Look over the types of problems on these assignments and tests and try to rework ones that you solved and ones that you got wrong. As you try to solve the problems, write down all the steps and don’t look at the solutions.^{[6]XExpert SourceDaron Cam
Academic TutorExpert Interview. 29 March 2020.}
- Also, take note of what mistakes you made and what corrections your instructor wrote down.
4
Make a list of important concepts and formulas. Go through your math textbook, class notes, homework assignments, and past exams, and write down the important concepts and formulas that come up.^{[7]XExpert SourceDaron Cam
Academic TutorExpert Interview. 29 March 2020.} Mark down which ones you know how to use and which ones you’re still struggling to master.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Try your best to memorize the concepts and formulas you write down.
5
Use study methods that suit your learning style. If you are a visual learner, draw pictures, charts, and diagrams to help yourself remember the test material. If you are an auditory learner, look for video-taped lectures on the material on YouTube and other websites. Use whatever study methods work best for you.^{[9]XResearch source}
- It might also be helpful to try to teach the material to someone else, like a friend or family member.
6
Take a practice exam to see what you need to work on. Taking a practice exam is one of the most effective studying strategies. Put together a list of problems from graded homework assignments, other tests, and your textbook that are like the kinds of problems that will be on the exam. Set a timer and try to answer the questions within the time limit.^{[10]XResearch source}
- If you don’t know already, ask your instructor what format the exam will be in.
- Make the length and format of your practice exam as similar to the real exam as possible.
- You can also find free practice problems and exams online.^{[11]XExpert SourceDaron Cam
  Academic TutorExpert Interview. 29 March 2020.}
7
Ask for help from your instructor or other students. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your math instructor. Their main goal is to help you learn the material, so if you don’t understand something, it’s never too late to send your instructor an email or ask a question after class. Your fellow classmates may also be able to answer some of your questions.^{[12]XResearch source}
- Try to ask your instructor questions that are specific, so that they can give you concrete and helpful answers.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Staying Calm and Relaxed

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1
Take a short 5 – 10-minute break every 20 – 50 minutes while you’re studying. Breaking your study session into smaller segments with breaks in between will help increase your retention of the material you’re studying. During your break, stand up, stretch, walk around, or make yourself a cup of tea.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Try not to use your phone, check the internet, or watch TV when you take your break. That way, you’ll be able to stay focused on your study session.
2
Exercise to boost your concentration and memory. Going for a short walk or jog outside will also help you recharge your batteries and make your study session more effective. Just 20 minutes of exercise can greatly improve your concentration and memory.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Take a short, 20-minute exercise break once every 2 hours or so.
- Exercising outside is best because the fresh air can also help reenergize you.
3
Eat healthy, well-balanced meals before the exam. Eating a healthy breakfast the day of your exam is very important. Eating a high-carb, high-fiber food like oatmeal would be best. During the week leading up to your exam, you should also eat a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, and protein.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Eating healthy snacks like almonds, fruit, or yogurt while you study can also help keep you refreshed and energized.
4
Get at least 8 hours of sleep the night before your exam. If you’re cramming for a math test, you may be tempted to stay up all night to study. However, this may do more harm than good. If you’re exhausted, you may even have trouble recalling information that you know. Your brain will be at its best when you are well rested.^{[16]XResearch source}
- If you have to wake up at 6:00 a.m., try to be in your bed with the lights out by around 9:30 p.m. That way, you’ll still get a full 8 hours of sleep, even if you can’t fall right asleep.

Expert Q&A

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Question
What are the best tips for preparing for a math test?
Daron Cam
Academic Tutor
Daron Cam is an Academic Tutor and the Founder of Bay Area Tutors, Inc., a San Francisco Bay Area-based tutoring service that provides tutoring in mathematics, science, and overall academic confidence building. Daron has over eight years of teaching math in classrooms and over nine years of one-on-one tutoring experience. He teaches all levels of math including calculus, pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry, and SAT/ACT math prep. Daron holds a BA from the University of California, Berkeley and a math teaching credential from St. Mary's College.
Daron Cam
Academic Tutor
Expert Answer
Highlighting all of the key vocabulary and topics and then reviewing them is really important. Also, doing practice problems will be super helpful. You can find free problems online, like through Kahn Academy.
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How can I pass a math test without studying?
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Unless you already have a good grasp of the material, you’ll probably need to do at least a little studying in order to pass. Do your best to focus on really understanding the questions, and use common sense to eliminate unlikely answers if you’re doing multiple choice. If it’s not multiple choice, try to provide at least partial answers for all the questions and show your work so that you can possibly get partial credit.
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How can I prepare for a math exam in one night?
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Go over your class notes and the relevant pages in the textbook to make sure you understand the procedures for solving the types of problems that will be on the test. Do as many practice problems as you can. Try to get at least a little sleep so that you can focus during the test.
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At the beginning of your exam, always remember to write down all the formulas that you will be required to use so you can quickly plug them in.
When studying, go through the most difficult chapters and solve harder equations first to make sure you understand them.
Make up keywords or rhymes to help remember equations and rules more easily.

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