TEST PREPARATION

Some students thrive on last-minute ‘cramming’but cramming causes students to sacrifice sleep time in order to study. While it’s not possible to perform well on a test without the required knowledge, sleep is critical for academic success. Sacrificing sleep for an additional 3 or 4 hours of study is often counterproductive.

One of the most important test preparation tips is to give yourself enough time to study. It’s best to begin preparing long before the day of a test. Make it a habit to complete reading assignments on time and frequently review lecture notes.

If you’re preparing for midterm or final exams, you’ll want to organize your time so you can dedicate more time to those exams that are more important or are going to be more demanding.

Make time for studying. Setting aside regular time to study is critical for achieving high test performance. We recommend preparing a term calendar, weekly schedule and daily schedule that includes regular study sessions.

It’s so easy for work and other activities to quickly take precedence over studying, so plan your study time in advance. As you progress through the term it’s okay to amend your study schedule to meet your needs, but make sure you plan study sessions in advance – and that you stick with them.

Prepare an outline of the main topics and concepts that will be covered during an exam, then use this sheet to study. This will help you memorize key facts and other information you will be tested on.

Visual aids, including charts, diagrams and graphs are great study helps – especially if you’re a visual learner. Organizing information into diagrams and charts helps to condense and simplify information and improves recall at test time.

Getting plenty of rest and exercising regularly will enhance your ability to perform well on a test. Eat a nutritious meal prior to taking a test to be alert and focused. Stay away from junk food. Eating junk food or sugar prior to a test will cause your energy levels to deplete quickly and can impact your ability to focus.