Category: Top Exam Preparation Tips

Good study habits are hard work! Treat yourself to breaks and little rewards to keep you going. Healthy snacks, nice walks outside, or even an episode of your favorite TV show are good ways to keep you motivated.  Knowing your own effective study strategies is key to success in your college career, and will help…

Once you know the format, try creating a practice exam based on what you think the test might cover. This will help you understand the material on a deeper level, and guide what you should be studying. You can then use your practice exam to quiz yourself and your study group. 

Breaking down the material into small pieces and creating acronyms, phrases, rhymes, or metaphors can be a valuable—and fun—way to memorize concepts. For example, students studying business strategies will remember acronyms like “POGO SQUINT”: Performance objectives Outsourcing Global factors Overcoming resistance to change Supply chain management Quality management Inventory management New product/service design and development…

Explaining concepts to a classmate is a great way to make sure you really understand the material yourself—and to help them learn as well. When you find new ways to explain a concept, you are mastering the information by processing it for others. 

Different types of college exams require different study approaches. Multiple choice means focusing on definitions and concepts. Essay tests require you to exhibit a conceptual understanding of the material. Ask your professor about the format of the exam so you know how to prepare.

Cramming in all your studying during finals week can lead to burnout and anxiety. Split the material into topics and review in stages to fully absorb information into real understanding. The night before, write out a few key ideas to look over before the exam.  “Tip: If you take a one-hour class, you need to…

Filling up on junk food to save time is not the smartest strategy for studying. Instead, keep a balanced diet of “brain foods” like fresh fruits and vegetables, balanced with protein and healthy fats to fuel your mind. The same goes for sleep: Plan to get a good night’s rest the night before the exam. 

Give your brain and body a chance to refresh so you can approach the material with energy and focus. According to Oxford Learning, “for every 30 minutes you study, take a short 10–15-minute break to recharge. Short study sessions are more effective and help you make the most of your study time.” So, stand up, stretch…

Keeping your mind on track can be as simple as taking a break from your phone and your friends. Put on some instrumental music or noise-canceling headphones and put your mobile on airplane mode to help you focus on your studies.

If your professor or teacher assistant is offering a pre-test review session before finals week, make sure to attend. This is where you can learn important information on the format of the exam and what may be covered in the questions, as well as key topics to focus your studies. “TIP: Final exams and midterms…