Preparing for an Exam Congratulations! The time has come for you to finally take your very first test! Or maybe it is your very last. Either way, you are going to want to make sure that you have done everything in your power to prepare for the exam and get a good grade.
Take Notes This part is easy. Attend class, and take attentive notes. Listen to not only what your teacher says but also to which points they specifically emphasize. These are sure to come up on the test. It is also advised to take notes written by hand, but if you are using a computer you could even use applications to record lectures.
Review Notes While studying, reread through your notes. Reading aloud helps the material go into your verbal memory. Rewrite your notes entirely in a separate notebook one or two times if necessary. This will store it in your long-term memory, and while you are taking the test you may even be able to visualize correct answers from your notes in your head.
Use Proper Tools Use a pen or pencil that you are comfortable with, and do not be afraid to use colored pencils or highlighters to organize the material into sections. Breaking up the material into different parts will make it less substantial and easier to memorize. Notecards can also be helpful. If you have a smartphone, find a study application such as Quizlet or Studyblue that allows you to create index cards to study from your phone. They also provide matching games to play that can make it a little more fun to study.
Review Sessions Attend any review sessions the teacher holds and ask questions about material you may be unsure about. Or, you can create a study session of your own with a group of classmates. Compare notes with others to see if they found the teacher emphasized specific parts as well. This can be particularly helpful if you are preparing for a computer science, business administration, sales management, human resources, or related tests.
Time Remember to plan ahead of time as to when you should study. Give yourself enough time to store it in long-term memory, at least a week before the test. You do not want to end up cramming for a test at the last minute and only remembering the material on a short-term scale, if you can remember it at all.
Day Of The day before the test, make sure you have planned enough time to sleep, at least a full eight hours. Make sure you are fully rested and that you eat a hearty and healthy breakfast. You could even exercise to give yourself a little more energy. It has also been proven that gum can help you retrieve some of the harder answers from your memory, so be sure to bring some along. Do not wear anything that could be potentially uncomfortable, itchy, hot, or cold. Whether you are pursuing a computer science degree, a business degree or you are still in high school, these tips will help you get the highest grade you possibly can. However, everyone is different, so remember what systems have helped you in the past and continue to apply them for the tests in your future.
Photo Credit: Abdulmajeed Al.mutawee, Starlights