Studying for Exams

Studying for exams can be daunting - especially because sometimes you don't know *how* to study. And, while, the weekend before exams isn't the ideal time to figure out what study strategies tend to work best for you, it is better late than never. The one lessson that I have learned (from both experience and from other students) is that reading your notes is NOT studying. You really need to be doing something in order to effectively study for exams. (And yes, I am aware that for some of you and for some classes reading through your notes is sufficient, but in general as you sit there reading your notes it is common for your mind to wander and you get through reading your notes and then at the test you realize that all of the information you thought you knew was actually just familiar.)

So, perhaps in addition to reading through your notes you could try some other ideas such as re-writing or typing your notes. Another great strategy is to go through and review your old tests - paying particular attention to questions that you answered incorrectly. Spending time reviewing old homework assignments and worksheets and working through the study guides your teachers provided (if they gave you one) is also an effective strategy. It can also be very helpful to enhance your notes by adding supplemental information such as what you have learned in the textbook or on other assignment sheets.

Once you have studied, spend some time questioning yourself to figure out the areas where you are still weak and then focus your studying on those areas. Question yourself again and hopefully you will find that you have mastered all of the information.

Good luck and happy studying!