Many of us get stressed and anxious which affects our memory and recall. Think about the information you are most likely to forget during the test. There are no limitations to what type of information can be used during a brain dump, however, it’s most common to jot down numerical or dense information such as formulas, equations, dates, timelines or lists. What type of information should be used for a Brain Dump? Pending restrictions on writing on provided resources, any extra space on a guidebook, booklet, or piece of paper provided during a test can be used for a brain dump. It can be the cover to the test or even the backside. In the case of a test that does not allow an extra sheet of paper to be used, there is the option of using any paper already provided for the test – such as the paper(s) featuring the testing questions – as a place to conduct a brain dump. In the case of a testing situation where a scratch sheet of paper and pen is allowed, a brain dump can be done once the test taker has entered the formal testing environment and is allowed to begin using the sheet of paper. However, some testing situations will not allow for a scratch piece of paper to be used during the test. Some tests – whether written or online – will allow the use of a blank, scratch piece of paper during the testing period. As it pertains to test-taking, a brain dump (or memory dump) is a method where a test taker writes down a bunch of memorized information onto a sheet of paper right as the exam begins, then uses that sheet for reference during the test.

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