Exam Preparation

When exams are around the corner do you feel stressed out? Overwhelmed? Panicked? Many students suffer from feelings of uncertainty during exam time. Here are some tips to help you cope with the stress of exams, and also help you be more successful with results of your exams.

• Don't procrastinate. Plan out a study schedule. Be sure to decide how much time you'll spend on each subject and when you will spend the time. Put it up on a bulletin board, your fridge or on your study desk with your exam timetable.
• Choose a good place to study. An environment that is quiet, well-lit, with little distractions and comfortable (but not so comfortable that you fall asleep) will help you maximize the efficiency of your study. Remember, the efficiency of your study will probably tend to drop after about an hour, so be sure to take little breaks periodically. Get a refreshment, stretch or get some fresh air.
• Use class notes, review sheets, checklists, outlines, flashcards, tests, lab materials, recorded classes, old assignments, textbooks, etc to help you study. Use whatever works for you! Make sure to ask your teacher for help if you need it or to review old exams when possible.
• Make sure to attend those last classes before the exam. Teachers will explain exam format, review important topics and sometimes give hints to potential exam questions. Also, you get the chance to ask questions and clear up any last minute misunderstandings. Some students use writing to help them learn. Re-write information, condense notes, ask questions and then answer them. Next, reread aloud what you've written. Try to write out definitions and formulas without the help of your text book.
• Studying with others can be very helpful; spend time with classmates, online or in person, testing each other by asking each other questions, teach each other, talk about the material, compare notes, brain storm possible exam questions and important topics.

Tips for the "Big Day" aka the Exam

• Get a good nights sleep the night before and make sure to have breakfast that morning.
• Arrive early, and bring pens, pencils, rulers, and calculators. It doesn't hurt to have extra.
• Listen carefully to instructions before you start the exam.
• Read the exam and start by answering the easiest, shortest questions and the questions you know best.
• Jot down any memorized facts, dates, formulas before you begin.
• Keep an eye on the clock and pace yourself. If you get stuck on a question move on and then come back to it later. Try not to waste time.
• If you're stuck on a question, look to other questions that may help you jog your memory.
• Be brief and to the point. Using filler sentences to make your answers look longer will not gain you any extra points.
• Review all of your questions and check for grammar and spelling mistakes. Make sure your answers are clear and legible.
• If you're running out of time:
  • Switch to note form
  • When writing essays make sure to make the vitally important points first.