Be sure to keep all of your homework assignments, pop quizzes, handouts, daily notes, and classwork so you can study them. [2] X Research source Try to avoid missing any classes, especially in the days leading up to the test. [3] X Research source
Check out the planned exam date on the syllabus and start studying as soon as possible. Give yourself at least a couple of weeks to prepare.
Short bursts of intense studying are more effective than super long study sessions. Try to avoid going over 45 minutes without taking a break. Try rewriting your class notes each day to commit them to memory.
For example, ask your teacher if the test will have multiple-choice, short answer, or essay questions so that you know what to expect. Attend any review sessions that your teacher provides. Find out if there are any extra credit assignments that you can do.
If you don’t want to make handwritten flashcards, check out free flashcard apps on your phone. Try multiple study methods to find one that works for you. For example, try mind maps, flashcards, summarizing notes, or a combination of these strategies.
Focus on keywords and concise responses for short answer and multiple-choice test questions. For essay questions, be sure you understand and can clearly explain larger concepts.
If your study partners aren’t taking the study sessions seriously, you might be better off studying by yourself.
Go through your flashcards a few times before you take the test so that everything is fresh in your mind.
Be sure to go to the bathroom before the test starts so you don’t have to go during the test. It’s perfectly normal to experience anxiety before a test! Try to avoid fixating on your fear and focus on the task at hand.
If there are any instructions you don’t understand, raise your hand and ask your teacher to explain them.
Watch for crucial instructions like “mark all of the correct answers” and “choose the answer which is least likely to. " You can also jot down any notes that come to mind in the margins if that’s permitted.
For example, if your test has a multiple-choice section and an essay question, get the multiple-choice questions out of the way first. Then, focus on the essay questions. Do the easiest essay question first and work up to the harder ones.
