If you’re in “beat-the-clock” mode, here are seven study tips that may help you prepare for an upcoming exam. Remember, though, studying over time is far more effective than cramming. Ideally, you’ll start studying far enough in advance so that you can rehearse all the key pieces of information a number of times, with sufficient periods in between to allow the information to get into long-term memory.  

1. Take sample exams. 

If your instructor has provided sample exams in your course packet, take them to see what you do and don’t know. Then concentrate on learning the items you got wrong.  

 

If you’re taking a math exam, pay particular attention to the examples or sample problems in the chapter and to the procedures that are used to solve these sample problems. You also need to look at the problems or exercises at the end of the chapter and match them up to the examples or sample problems in the chapter.
 

2. Make a Q&A Outline. 

Go through your textbook or course packet and make questions out of subheadings in each chapter. Then scan the following paragraphs for the sentence that answers the question.

 

Incidentally, this is a good technique to use throughout the quarter. Then, when it’s time to study for an exam, you will already have identified the main points of the text and will save time studying.  

Click here for a step-by-step guide to making a Q&A Outline.  

 

3. Use memory aids. 

Organize information in lists with the help of mnemonic devices, which are methods for remembering information that is otherwise difficult to recall (such as the “thirty days hath September” rhyme). Examples of mnemonics are at www.mindtools.com/memory.  

4. Use flash cards. 

Write key information on index cards and try to recall it before looking at the cards.  

5. Create a compare/contrast chart. 

If you’re taking a fill-in-the-blank or multiple choice test, a compare/contrast chart is a good way to organize large amounts of information so you can recognize or recall the correct answer. Here’s an example:
 

How do the economies of Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus differ?

	Cincinnati	Cleveland	Columbus
What are the major industries?
Who are the major employers?
What is the unemployment rate?
What percentage of the population completed college?

To learn more about creating compare/contrast charts, consider enrolling in EDU P&L 259: Individual Learning and Motivation or speaking to a Learning Specialist from the Academic Learning Lab at (614) 688-3967.  

 

6. See a tutor

If you are studying for a math test and need help, see a tutor at the Younkin Success Center Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Room 211. 

 

7. Deal with test anxiety

Test anxiety is very common, but there are some techniques for dealing with it. Click here for some ideas about what you can do to ease your anxiety.

 

Share your top study tip

If you have a tip that’s been particularly helpful in the past, take a minute to share it with others. Or, if you’ve tried one of the above techniques, let us know how well it worked.  

 

Are you ready to make a change?

If you’re ready to beat procrastination, click here for details about putting a don’t delay plan together.