How to Prepare for Online Exams

TL;DR

• Test your tech 24 hours before. Internet, webcam, and software need to be ready.
• Understand the rules. Is it "Open Book"? Is there a proctoring service like Proctorio?
• Optimize your environment. Eliminate distractions and inform your roommates.
• Don't rely on "Googling." Most online exams are timed to prevent you from looking up every answer.
• Prepare "Cheat Sheets" even if it's open book. Searching for info wastes time.
• Use Gradily for prep. Practice with AI-generated quizzes that mimic the online format.

In 2026, the "In-Person Midterm" is becoming a rarity. Most colleges have shifted to online assessments. Many students think this means they can slack off because "I can just look up the answers."

This is a dangerous trap. Professors know you have the internet, so they design online exams to be harder. They focus on application and analysis rather than simple memorization. If you don't know the material, no amount of Googling will save you when the timer is ticking down.

Here is how to master the art of the online exam.

1. The Technical Audit (Don't Skip This!)

The #1 reason students fail online exams isn't that they don't know the material—it's that their laptop dies or their Wi-Fi cuts out.

• The Internet Rule: If possible, use an Ethernet cable for a wired connection. If you're on Wi-Fi, sit as close to the router as possible.
• Power: Stay plugged in. Don't rely on your battery, even if it's at 100%.
• Updates: Restart your computer 30 minutes before the exam to ensure no "Automatic Updates" start in the middle of your test.
• Proctoring Software: If your school uses Proctorio, Respondus, or Honorlock, make sure the browser extension is installed and your webcam is working. These apps are notoriously glitchy—test them early.

2. Know the "Engagement Rules"

Is it an "Open Book" exam?

• Yes: This doesn't mean you don't need to study. It means the questions will be much more complex. You’ll need to synthesize information from multiple chapters.
• No: If it's a "Closed Book" exam with proctoring, don't try to "cheat" with your phone or notes. Modern proctoring AI can detect eye movements, phone signals, and even the sound of paper flipping. It’s not worth the risk of expulsion.

3. The "Search Proof" Study Method

Because online exams are often open-book, the "search" is your biggest enemy. If you spend 3 minutes looking up the answer to a 1-point question, you won't have time for the 20-point essay at the end.

The Solution: The Master Index. Create a one-page "Map" of your notes.

• "Chapter 3: Mitosis — Page 12"
• "Chapter 4: Meiosis — Page 18"
• "Key Formulas — Page 2" Knowing where the information is is just as important as knowing what it is.

4. Environment Design

You need a "Control Center" for your exam.

• Clear the clutter: A messy desk leads to a messy mind.
• The Roommate Rule: Put a sign on your door: "EXAM IN PROGRESS — DO NOT ENTER." Tell everyone in your house to stay off the Netflix/Gaming Wi-Fi for the next two hours.
• Lighting: Make sure your face is well-lit for the webcam (to avoid proctoring flags).

5. During the Exam: Strategy

• Save as you go: If your LMS (Canvas/Blackboard) doesn't auto-save, hit the save button after every question.
• Watch the Clock: If there are 60 questions and 60 minutes, you have exactly one minute per question. If a question is hard, skip it and move on. Mark it to come back to later.
• Read the Whole Question: Online exams often use "trick" wording like "Which of the following is NOT true..." or "Select ALL that apply." Don't rush and miss these.

6. How Gradily Can Prepare You

Gradily is the perfect training ground for online assessments.

• Simulated Quizzing: Ask Gradily: "Generate a 10-question quiz on [Topic] that focuses on application and analysis, not just definitions."
• Timed Practice: Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to solve a Gradily-generated problem set. This gets you used to the "pressure" of the ticking clock.
• The "Why" Explainer: If you get a practice question wrong, Gradily won't just give you the answer. It will explain the logic, which is exactly what you'll need for those "Analyze this scenario" exam questions.

7. What to Do If Things Go Wrong

If your internet cuts out or the exam crashes:

1. Don't Panic.
2. Take a Screenshot/Photo: Use your phone to take a picture of the error message or the blank screen. This is your evidence.
3. Email the Professor Immediately: Attach the photo and explain what happened. Don't wait until the next day.
4. Call IT: If your school has a tech support line, call them and get a "Ticket Number" to prove you tried to fix it.

Final Thoughts

Online exams require a different mindset. You are moving from "What is the answer?" to "How do I find and apply the answer efficiently?"

Treat the exam like a professional performance. Set the stage, check your equipment, and enter with a plan. When you combine your hard work with a solid technical strategy, the "online" part of the exam becomes an advantage, not a hurdle.

Good luck—you've got this!

Read more:

• How to Stay Focused While Studying
• How to Study for a Test You Haven't Prepared For
• Active Recall: The #1 Study Technique