How to Cheat in Exams

Identify the cheating method that suits you best, such as Using Notes, Asking for Answers, or Hard-to-Detect Methods. (See below for more details on each method).

Avoid getting caught. Cheating is only beneficial if you don't get caught. Here are some simple tips to avoid detection:

• Don't act suspicious. The key is to balance getting answers effectively without being too obvious. Stay calm. If you need to look around, avoid staring for more than five to ten seconds. Glance in random directions: the proctor will be less likely to notice your accomplice (or notes).
• Don't aim too high. With enough effort, you can achieve a perfect score by cheating. However, if the overall class performance is low, you'll draw attention. If you're already a top student, getting a perfect score is fine. But if not, the teacher might catch on. Intentionally get a few answers wrong to blend in. Aim for a good score first, then gradually improve. You can even let your scores fluctuate slightly to appear natural.
• Destroy the evidence. Right after the test, ask to go to the restroom (if you haven't already) to wash off or dispose of any evidence. The longer you keep it, the higher the risk of getting caught: someone will notice.

Write or print the information accurately. The font should always be clear and easy to read, neither too large nor too small. While you might want to cram as much as possible onto a small sheet, remember that if the text is too tiny, you'll focus too much on the paper, making it easier to get caught. If possible, print the notes to reduce the risk of being exposed by handwriting.

the content. This method is often used for memorization-based tests. the material from your book onto a small piece of paper and place it on your lap or sleeve. This method is high-risk, so proceed with caution.

Try the 'Sneak a Peek' method. Sit behind someone who is likely to perform well on the test (someone who brags about their studies or excels in the subject being tested). Adjust your position to the far left or right of your seat, leaning slightly toward their desk: you can glance over their shoulder without moving your head too much. Avoid sitting directly behind or in the middle of the class, as this increases the risk of being caught.

Try the 'Collaborative Signaling' method. Team up with a few classmates to create a shared signaling system. This doubles your knowledge pool, as you can now collaborate to share answers. For multiple-choice tests:

1. Establish hand or foot signals for A, B, C, D, E, and 'wrong answer.' By including a signal for 'wrong answer,' you can help each other eliminate incorrect choices and improve both scores. Use subtle sounds like a cough or a foot tap to get each other's attention without raising suspicion.
2. Start by coughing to grab your partner's attention.
3. Use your fingers to indicate the question number (e.g., quickly show 3 fingers followed by 2 for question 32).
4. Wait for your partner to signal their answer (e.g., tugging an ear for 'B').
5. If torn between two answers: cough, show the question number, and signal the answer you think is correct.
6. Your partner can nod if it's correct or signal 'wrong answer' (e.g., pulling hair upward) if it's incorrect.

Try to find the 'Teacher's Edition' of the textbook. For teachers who use pre-made questions from the 'Teacher's Edition,' purchase the same version they use. Search online for the exact edition and buy it. Before the test, memorize the answers to the questions. This method works well for general science, foreign language, and/or history classes, where questions are often taken directly from the book.

Try to obtain 'Past/Old Exam Papers.' You can exchange them with seniors or classmates who have connections. Study from these papers, or if you believe the questions won’t change, memorize the answers.

Try the 'Come Back Later' method. If you know the teacher will allow you to return to finish the test, intentionally leave it incomplete and request to finish it another day. Memorize the topics or questions so you can find the answers before continuing.

• Feign illness: Near the end of the test, ask to go to the restroom and stay there until time runs out or move slowly. However, ensure the teacher will let you finish later, as failing to do so could result in a worse grade.

Try the 'Bring Your Pencil' method. When submitting your paper, if the teacher isn’t at their desk, use your pencil to correct or copy answers from the top paper in the stack (this is a high-risk method!).

Try the 'Fake Answer Sheet' method (if answer sheets are provided). To succeed, you need to know the exact format of the answer sheet so you can write all key points on a sheet identical to it.

• If the test leaves space for answers, pre-write important points as questions and answers. Include page numbers and question points if present in the actual sheet.
• Then, attach this sheet to the real test during the exam without being noticed.

Avoid last-minute cramming. If you don’t spend a few minutes reviewing your notes before the test, cheating might not even help you perform well.

• For essays, focus on memorizing key terms and arguments. Teachers often look for keywords or main points when grading: the fluff in your essay won’t matter as much. If you know the potential essay topics, study four to five key terms or arguments expected by the teacher instead of everything—it’ll make things much easier.
• For math tests, memorize formulas. Knowing formulas can be far more useful than spending hours solving problems. Write them repeatedly until you remember them, then apply them during the test.
• For multiple-choice tests, try 'chunking' the information you know will be tested. Instead of memorizing a long list of terms, break them into smaller, manageable groups. For example, if preparing for a history test, instead of "Jefferson, Hamilton, Franklin, Washington, Grant, Lincoln, and Lee," group them as "4 U.S. Founders: Franklin, Washington, Jefferson, and Hamilton" and "3 Civil War Leaders: Lee, Lincoln, Grant." Remembering the number of people per topic makes it easier to spot missing items.

For your next exam, start studying earlier and more effectively. With your current schedule, consider creating a study plan.