Test preparation has always been very stressful. You’ve got to plan your study time around all your other classes, your travel time, and your time with friends and family. If you’ve got one, or two, or three tests coming up, it feels like there isn’t enough time in the day to get anything done! We know your time is valuable, so we’ve thought of some tips to help you get ready for your next test (and ace it!).
Know EXACTLY What You’re Studying
Be fully aware of what will be on the test. Know exactly which book chapters and concepts you will be tested on. You don’t want ANY surprises. This is pretty straightforward if we’re talking about a math or science course, but if you’re in a humanities or English class, make sure you’re familiar with the texts and outside materials you’re supposed to be reading. If your professor gives you a study guide, congratulations! You’re ahead of the game! If not…
Go Over Your Notes
Review and organize your class notes as soon as the test is announced. Immediately. Your notes should at least give you basic knowledge of the subject you’re being tested on and can help you cut down on study time. If they don’t, check out our hints on effective note taking! When you review your class notes, you should be asking yourself what you remember about the material. Do you have a rough idea of what it’s about? Or are you struggling to remember definitions? This will give you an idea of how long you should study, and it’s a HUGE time saver. Try it with your friends and ask each other questions! This strategy can work especially well for SAT prep.
Speak Now!
A lot of students don’t like talking to their professors either because they’re embarrassed, or they’re scared of them, or they don’t want to reveal that they haven’t been paying attention in class. Here the thing:
Your professor WROTE the test, and if you ask nicely, they’ll probably tell you EXACTLY what’s on it.
Seriously! It’s that easy! Meet with your professor after you review your class notes so you get a complete idea of the test questions and format. Make sure you ask for any helpful hints that might help you get through the test. Trust us, most professors would love to give you as much help as possible.
Take Action!
Everyone has their own way of studying. If you’re a visual learner, consider using a whiteboard or a piece of paper to write out concepts where you can see them (this works wonders for math and science courses). If you learn best by listening, maybe read your notes aloud, record them and listen to them as you go through the day (or you and a friend could record each other’s notes if you don’t like the sound of your own voice). Can’t sit still? Walk around or do an activity while you study! Anybody can sit in a cold library and stare at a textbook. Change it up, know yourself, and start studying your way!
Take Care
STOP. DOING. ALL. NIGHT. CRAM. SESSIONS.
Yes, you have a lot of homework to do.
Yes, you want to get good grades and be successful.
Yes, you want to know as much as possible so that you do well on your test.
These are all important things. You cannot do any of them if you’re running on half a banana and 30 minutes of “sleep”. Be nice to yourself for a change. Give yourself enough time to review and GO. TO. BED. Eat breakfast and bring snacks for the day ahead. Take good care of yourself.
We get stressed out while preparing for a test because we’re trying to both remember and memorize everything we’ve learned in a very short time. Good test preparation is all about gathering information ahead of time, and then reviewing it at your own pace. Go on, try these tips for yourself on your next exam and see the difference it makes! For more helpful test preparation advice and homework help, visit us at StudyGate.com!