Avoiding carelessness probably sounds to you more like common sense than like a sophisticated strategy. We don’t disagree. But it is amazing how a timed test can warp and mangle common sense.

There are two types of carelessness, both of which will cost you points. The first type of carelessness results from moving too fast, whether that speed is caused by overconfidence or fear. In speeding through the test, you make yourself vulnerable to misinterpreting the question, overlooking one of the answer choices, or simply making a careless mistake. As you take the test, make a conscious effort to approach the test calmly.

Whereas the first type of carelessness can be caused by overconfidence, the second type of carelessness results from frustration or lack of confidence. Some students take a defeatist attitude toward tests, assuming they won’t be able to answer many of the questions. Such an attitude is a form of carelessness, because it causes the student to ignore reality. Just as the overconfident student assumes she can’t be tricked and therefore gets tricked, the student without confidence assumes he can’t answer questions and therefore gives up at the first sign of difficulty.

Both kinds of carelessness steal points from you. Avoid them.