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Preparing for Exams
To do well on exams you must first learn the material, and then review it before the exam.
These are some tips for exam preparation and keeping your sanity:
- Review frequently – read your notes over once a week
- Schedule periodic review sessions throughout the term
- Write up a study schedule for the exam period
- Don’t attempt marathon study sessions…they don’t work!
- Allow time for sleep, exercise and fun
- Cramming is useful in emergencies; it is not good for long-term learning.
- Ask your instructors what type of questions to expect
- Look up previous exams in the library – do this early!
- Check your notes and texts…note the topics emphasized. List each on a separate index card.
- Look at the study guide for self-tests, and do these regularly
- By looking at old exams, discover the gaps in your knowledge
- Test your ability to recite material from your notes and texts
- Keep a dictionary of unfamiliar terms
- On those index cards, list key points and the page references
- Concentrate on one topic or section at a time
- Test yourself for the key points you listed on the index cards
- Teach a classmate, roommate, or housemate the parts you find difficult
- Use colored markers, chart paper, even bathtub crayons, and decorate your place with key words, definitions, formulas etc.
- Talk to yourself, talk to your teddy bear, talk to your pet. Tell them what you’re studying.
- Develop a study group with whom you can talk through problems and share notes while motivating and supporting each other
Your best preparation for exams is regular, day-to-day studying and review, right from the beginning of the year.
Adapted from Queen's University website
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