Study Guide

TEST PREPARATION: What's the Best Way to Study for Tests?

There are three stages of test preparation:

• Long-Term ­ from the beginning of school to the test
• Short-Term ­ the time leading up to the test when study and review become crucial (often the week or so before)
• Immediate ­ the day or night before.

Long-Term Prep

Right from day one, keep the final exam or test in mind, asking yourself, "What do I need to know?" Some useful strategies:

• look at the objectives stated in your course outlines
• review regularly
• look at old tests/exams if available
• try to understand the material (as opposed to memorizing it).

Short-Term Prep

Use these strategies as you begin your test studying in earnest:

• reread the section on Improving Learning and Memory
• organize your information
• combine related information to help you understand it
• study actively - do something (e.g. paraphrase your notes ... say them in your own words)
• pace/schedule your study
• use memory aids such as acronyms (e.g. NATO) to aid recall of hard-to-remember lists, etc.

Immediate Prep

By the time you get to the day/night immediately before your test, your study should be review (as opposed to re-learning). Keep these guidelines in mind as you refresh your knowledge:

• get enough sleep
• eat properly
• take breaks, relax, exercise
• focus your attention
• keep a positive attitude.

Cramming

Cramming is not learning; rather, it is remembering over the short term. However, when time is short, you may have to cram, so:

• make choices - don't attempt to remember everything
• turn what you're studying into questions
• recite
• relax (being nervous and upset won't help).