Taking tests and exams online is a little different than the in-person experience. Being prepared and organized will help you through. Here are 5 tips, or refer to our Take-Home and Online Exams PDF.
1. Read and follow your professor’s instructions
Your professor wants you to succeed. When writing online and take-home exams, be sure to review the format of your upcoming tests and exams, including the specifications of the exam, the software required (and how it works) and the time allotted.
2. Keep time in mind
Check and recheck the test or exam time and date. Each online test or exam will also have specified time allotted. Some take home exams may only be open for a few hours while others may be open for a few days.
- If your exam is only open for a few hours, prepare for this exam as you would for an in-person exam. Take some practice exams under the same time constraints and practice your recall of information.
- If your exam is open for a few days, treat this exam like a final essay. Try to do some preparation or research before the exam is released on potential topics you could write about. Take some time to do an outline before you start writing. Edit after you finish your rough draft.
3. Check your computer and your WiFi connection
Check and recheck that both your computer and your WiFi connection are working. Have a back-up plan if one or the other is not behaving as expected.
If you need a computer for online learning, the University of Toronto Libraries has a loan program in place for computers. Find information regarding availability and instructions.
4. Find a good spot to take the test
Make sure you’ve turned off all distractions — Netflix, phone, social media and all notifications. Let your roommates, friends, family know that you need a distraction-free zone. Gather all the things you will need — books, notebooks, pens or pencils, approved study aids — per your professor’s instructions.
5. Study
This part hasn’t changed – you still need to study! Even if your exam is “open book,” you need to be familiar with the material so you don’t waste time hunting for it. By having a good mastery of the material, you can organize what you think you will need to know in study notes and in your mind.
We offer you tips on how to approach different types of tests and exams.
A full list of aid centres is available on Find academic resources. You may also find the Old Exam Repository from U of T Libraries helpful.
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