After hours spent living at the same table in the UGL, memorizing facts, reading the material you avoided all semester and trying to figure out exactly what essay question your professor will put on the final, it’s finally time to sit down and take the test. You have your extra pencils, your UIN memorized and countless facts running through your head that you will forget the minute you turn the test in. But even after hours of preparation, common mistakes can cause you to lose points on a final — so keep in mind the dos and don’ts of final exams:

*MULTIPLE CHOICE/SCANTRON:*

DO: Think clearly.

“I think about what I’ve studied and what I’ve learned from class,” said Ari Wulfsohn, junior in LAS who just completed her DAT for dental school. “Then I think about it logically, eliminate outliers and narrow it down from that.”

DO: Look for key words.

“Especially in history and political science tests, there should be key words in the choices,” said Jason Franklin, a test-prep specialist at Better Test Scores. “Use those to eliminate or give idea of what correct answer would be. Also circle key words because this will make your mind focus on that choice.”

DON’T: Not use your pencil.

Students need to cross out answers they know are incorrect.

“The biggest mistake students make is not writing on the test,” said Franklin. “It builds confidence. If your eyes still see it as a possible answer, cross it out so you avoid it and make the test look simpler. Focus on what the possible question could be.”

DON’T: Forget about your homework.

“Especially on math, professors typically use former homework questions already given,” said Franklin. “Review all previous math questions and think about them when taking the final.”

*SHORT ANSWER/ESSAY QUESTIONS:*

DO: Focus on the question.

“The most important thing is to clearly answer the topic question,” said Ed Carroll, executive director and tutor for the Princeton Review and high school programming. “Mechanics are important, but people spend too much time on that. Most good essays have support and evidence. Include as much detail as possible.”

DO: Create an outline.

Especially for longer essays, this is key.

“Brainstorm ideas, you don’t need a fancy outline, but professors do look at the outline,” said Franklin. “It may be in the outline and if you don’t cover it because of time, at least the professor sees that you get the main ideas. They might at least give you partial credit.”

DON’T: Forget to include key words.

“When teachers give final exams, they’re skimming them, they’re not really reading them,” said Franklin. “They’re looking for key words. The key thing is to give the key words that the instructors are looking for.”

DON’T: Make it too long.

But still keep it detailed with support and evidence, said Carroll.

“Don’t make it too long, or it makes it look like you don’t know the answer,” said Franklin.

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If you can remember these simple rules when taking your spring finals, no amount of bubbles to fill in or essays to write will leave you feeling overwhelmed.