Taking Tests: How to Study

It is crunch time and you are days away from that examination worth half of your final grade.  In a panic you cram the night before so the information will be fresh, right?  Wrong.  That is possibly the worst thing any student can do.  To ensure you receive the best marks possible, you must plan ahead, and study over time.  There are numerous techniques that have proven effective for hundreds of students.  By following a few basic guidelines for test studying, you can prepare yourself to make the mark you wanted. 

How do I Prepare?

Organization, time management, and planning are the keys to becoming a successful student.  The goal, start studying as soon as classes begin!  Reading over the assignments, listening carefully to the lectures and active note taking are perfect ways to being preparing for the test long before it happens.  After you have managed to take notes, read the materials, and learn from the lectures themselves, go back through those notes often and touch upon areas you feel you are struggling.  This gives you a large amount of time to absorb the information before the examination takes place.

Reviewing is perhaps the biggest part of the studying process.  Active and constant review of the materials will provide any student with the necessary information to succeed during a test.  Whether your reviews are daily or weekly, be sure to have them often.  Dedicate no less than one hour to reviewing material each week.  Before the examination, study for two to five hours with breaks in between to refresh your mind and come back to it rejuvenated.  Using tools such as flashcards, outlines, and even a study checklist have been proven to improve the success of a student during examinations.
Study better with partners?  Form a study group with dedicated students from your class.  A dedicated student is one who actively participates in discussion and note taking.  Meeting up several times over the course of the months to review materials, get further explanation on things you are unsure of, and just talk about progress is important.  Having a study group will also hold you accountable for being at the meetings, taking good notes, and actively participating in class. 

Utilizing these few tips, and others you have acquired over your years of learning, will provide you with the necessary skills to excel in your studies.  Never be afraid to ask questions, and always actively participate and complete your assignments.  By doing this you will build a solid foundation for academic success.