Attention/Concentration  |  Foreign Language  |   Math  |   Memory | Note-taking |  Organization |   Reading  | Study and Test Preparation  | Written Assignments

Study and Test Preparation Strategies

1. At the beginning of the quarter mark down the dates when you have exams. Check the percentage of the grade each exam is worth. Identify whether or not exams are cumulative. For each exam, prepare a study schedule which allows plenty of time to cover the material. Monitor your progress on the study schedule.
2. Ask the instructor and/or review the class syllabus to ascertain what material from the lecture and textbook will be covered on the exam.
3. Find out what the format of the exam will be (e.g., essay, multiple choice, short answer, combination of these). Your technique for studying should be based at least in part on this information. For example, if the exam will include essay type questions it will be beneficial to practice outlining and writing essays. If the exam will include only multiple choice items then you will want to be able to recognize both general concepts as well as specific facts.
4. When studying, make a list of facts, formulas, and terms that must be understood and memorized for the exam.
5. Ask the instructor if he/she has any suggestions regarding the best way to study for the exam. Also talk with other students who have taken the course previously and done well. Get their advice on the best way to prepare for the test.
6. Ask the instructor if he/she makes old exams available to aid students in studying. If old exams are available use these as a guide to estimate the difficulty level of items and to assess your current level of knowledge. Remember, however, that exams are frequently changed and updated, so do not expect the same exact test items to appear on your upcoming exam.
7. Plan for study time alone and study time with peers. When first learning new material, study on your own. After you are comfortable and familiar with the material it may be beneficial to study with one or two other competent classmates. Studying with others can help you review and consolidate your learning.
8. When studying material use a variety of learning strategies. Talk through concepts by yourself or with someone else. Draw diagrams or charts to help summarize information. Make up questions to answer as you study. Produce written responses to your questions and review your responses for correctness and completeness. Use exercises in your textbook to assess your level of knowledge and to identify areas in which you still need additional review.