Studying for Exams: Plan ahead and start studying 5-7 days before the test! Make sure to have all of your materials organized before you start studying so that you don’t have to take breaks in order to locate materials.
Reading:
- Read the assigned chapters when you are supposed to read them
- Highlight and take notes on important info/main ideas while you read
- Review the corresponding chapters before the exam
- Spend extra time reviewing important vocabulary words
- Pay attention, and listen carefully!
- Take notes on key information
- Ask questions if you need clarification and further explanation
- Remove distractions
- Discuss class material outside of class with your peers
- Study strategies:
- Summarize your notes out loud
- Create and review flashcards with vocab terms
- Review and work through sample problems
- Practice writing essay questions
- Explain material out loud to a peer
- Create an outline
- Know the material! Pay attention in class, do your readings, take notes and review them regularly, and spend some time studying 5-7 days before the test
- Surround yourself with positive people. If your friends are all freaking out about the test too, it will only make your more anxious.
- Get plenty of sleep the night before
- Eat a healthy breakfast, but steer clear of caffeine! It’s good to be fueled up for a test, but too much caffeine or sugar can overstimulate you and make you even more nervous
- Relax: stretch, do some deep breathing, clear your thoughts
- Focus: take deep breaths, stay calm, and concentrate on one question at a time
- Read the directions carefully -- make sure you understand what you’re being asked!
- Pay close attention to the wording of the question
- Rule out any answers that are clearly wrong
- Be familiar with the facts and supporting material from the chapter or unit
- Make sure that you understand the question that is being asked
- If you get to choose the question from a list of possibilities, choose the one that you are best prepared to answer
- Circle key words in the question as you read
- Take notes on the back of your test to clarify your thoughts; identify your main idea and the supporting points you want to make before you begin writing
- Use your time well -- if you have to answer multiple essay questions, don’t spend all of your time on the first one!
- Be explicit and complete
- Define vocabulary terms as you use them
- Write in a direct and straightforward manner -- don’t be overly wordy
- Be organized -- each paragraph should contain one unique idea that is well thought-out and explained; back up your claims with factual evidence
- Don’t use phrases like “I think,” or “I believe.” Your instructor will know whose paper they’re reading.
- Use proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation -- don’t lose points for careless mistakes!
Take a look at what questions you missed and ask yourself honestly why you missed them. Was it a careless mistake? Were you unfamiliar with that particular material? Did you misread the question? Did you run out of time? Identifying why you answered questions on this test will help you answer more answers correctly on the next one.
** Thanks to the Iowa State University Academic Success Center for use of their academic success materials, available online at: http://www.asc.dso.iastate.edu/resources
Susan - ICAN Coralville Center
