Review Mistakes
Learn
The most valuable learning happens when you analyze your mistakes. A systematic review process transforms errors into opportunities for score improvement.
The Error Log System
For every practice test, maintain an error log with these columns:
- Question Number: Track where it appeared
- Topic/Skill: What concept was being tested?
- Error Type: Why did you get it wrong?
- Correct Process: How should you have solved it?
- Time Spent: Did rushing contribute to the error?
Four Types of Mistakes
| Type | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Content Gap | Didn't know the concept or formula | Study and practice that specific topic |
| Careless Error | Knew the material but made a silly mistake | Slow down, double-check calculations |
| Misread | Didn't understand what the question asked | Circle key words, reread before answering |
| Time Pressure | Ran out of time or rushed | Practice pacing, learn to skip strategically |
The 3-2-1 Review Method
- 3 days after: Review all missed questions without looking at answers first
- 2 weeks later: Rework similar problems to confirm understanding
- 1 month before test: Review your entire error log for patterns
Finding Patterns
After several practice tests, analyze your error log to find patterns:
- Are certain question types consistently difficult?
- Do errors cluster at the end of sections (fatigue)?
- Are careless errors happening with specific operations?
- Which topics need the most additional study?
Examples
See how to properly analyze different types of mistakes.
Example 1: Content Gap Analysis
Question: Find the period of y = 3sin(2x)
Your answer: 3 (confused amplitude with period)
Correct answer: pi (period = 2pi/b where b=2)
Action: Review trigonometric function transformations. Create flashcard for period formula.
Example 2: Careless Error Analysis
Question: If 3x - 5 = 16, what is x?
Your answer: 7 (added 5 to get 21, but then divided by 3 incorrectly)
Correct answer: 7 (wait, this is correct—but got marked wrong)
Actual issue: Bubbled "C" instead of "D" on answer sheet
Action: Check every 5 questions that answers match grid
Example 3: Misread Analysis
Question: What is the LEAST value of x that satisfies...
Your answer: 5 (found a valid value, but not the least)
Correct answer: -3
Action: Circle superlatives (least, greatest, minimum, maximum) in every question
Practice
Use these exercises to practice systematic error analysis.
1. Review a recent practice test. Categorize each error as: Content Gap, Careless, Misread, or Time Pressure.
2. For your three most recent Content Gap errors, write out the concept you need to learn and find two similar practice problems.
3. Calculate your error breakdown: What percentage of your errors fall into each category?
4. Identify your "careless error pattern." Do you tend to make sign errors? Forget units? Misread negative numbers?
5. Create an error log entry for this problem: You answered 45 for "What is 25% of 180?" The correct answer is 45. Why might this be marked wrong?
6. Look at your last 5 time pressure errors. What could you have skipped to save time for these questions?
7. Write out the complete solution for one Content Gap error, including all steps and reasoning.
8. Create a "Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid" list based on your error patterns.
9. For one section of your practice test, calculate your accuracy rate for each question type.
10. Plan a 30-minute study session focused on your most common error type.
Check Your Understanding
Answer these questions about error analysis.
- What are the four types of test-taking mistakes?
- Why is it important to categorize errors rather than just correcting them?
- What information should be included in an error log entry?
- How does the 3-2-1 review method work?
- What patterns should you look for when reviewing multiple error logs?
Next Steps
- Set up a spreadsheet or notebook for your error log
- Review your most recent practice test using this system
- Schedule weekly error log review sessions
- Move on to Mixed Set practice to apply your learnings