How to Prepare Well for a Test The last thing you want to feel when you walk into class is that nauseating knot in the pit of your stomach when you realize that you have a test today. A test for which you did not study. All of us have been there at least once, and all of us know the kind of sweaty palmed, heart rate elevating stress that is induced by such a realization. If you have been in that place even once you know that you never wish to visit it again. Learning to balance study time, class time, a social life, and a job during your college years can be less than pleasant and it always feels like one area or another ends up suffering. When it comes to optimizing study time, you can work to develop a few habits that will not only ensure that you never walk into a test unprepared, but may also help you reduce the amount of time required to retain the information you need.
Study Time Optimize your study time by first reducing your distractions. Turn the ringer of your phone off and place your phone in your bag, out of sight. Keep any music low so you will not be distracted by it, and ask any people to please leave you to your studies. Have in mind any study goals you have set and then dive right in. Don’t forget to take the occasional break as you study to give your body and mind a rest from the mental and physical strain of sitting hunched over your textbooks and notes. As you study, employ a variety of memorization and learning techniques. Write things down, say them out loud, and even put them to music if you so desire. Doing this gives your brain the ability to more easily retrieve the information you are learning. Additionally, request a study aid from your professor or at least communicate with them so that you have a clear understanding about what you will be tested on.
Test Time The day of your test has arrived. Make sure that you have gotten enough sleep the night before your test. You also want to eat a healthy breakfast and/or lunch so that your brain and your body have the fuel they need to perform acceptably through the day. If you need to, research what foods have the ability to boost your energy levels and brain power.
Arrive at your test at least 5 minutes early so you have time to review your notes one more time. Once you’ve glanced at your materials, put them away and take a moment to relax and clear your mind and body of any stress or anxiety. Have the test taking items that you need on your desk and remember to just relax. If you have followed the steps outlined above you can rest assured that you are as prepared as you can be and that you will do reasonably well on your test. College America has several campuses including one in Fort Collins. Learn more about our Fort Collins degree programs by visiting us online today!
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