I could be wrong, but my guess is that the number one item on most of your "to do lists" this weekend is
studying. 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. Then, as you are taking 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. Here are some examples, but again, it is about finding a strategy that will work for you. Remember, this will be different for each student and, typically, it also varies by different subject areas.
Re-write or type your notes instead of just reading them.
Make flashcards and review the content.
Have someone else question you from your notes, study guide, or text book.
Another great strategy is to go through and review your old tests - paying particular attention to questions that you answered incorrectly.
Make your own practice tests. You can use homework questions, sample problems from your classroom notes, or questions from your book or tests and put them together into one test just like your teacher would do. Give yourself a day or two away from looking at it (or at least a few hours of working on a different subject) and then go back and put yourself into a similar test environment and take the test. Practice going straight through the whole test without a break, without distractions, and without stopping to look at your notes or book just as you will have to do in the actual exam. When you have completed the test, check your answers and see how you did. You can then identify areas where you need more practice and review. It may also help you identify concepts that you need to seek help from your teachers or academic assistants on to help make sure you better understand the material.
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 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.
Create a concept map to help illustrate how all the points are connected and what areas are different or unique.
Another helpful strategy is to teach someone else. Sometimes this involves teaching a fellow student who is struggling to grasp the concepts, but it can just as easily be your parents, siblings, or a grandparent. By having to explain the information you know, you are reinforcing the concepts in your own mind and seeking useful ways to help someone else to understand the information and why it matters.
Try to recall as much information from memory as possible. So, think back on the class and try to remember all of the key points and pieces of information that you think you are going to have to know for the test and write them all down. Then compare that list to what you actually are responsible for knowing. What information did you forget about completely? What areas were you unable to recall enough information details? Briefly review that information and then move on to studying for another subject and then later come back and try to recall everything that you will need to know again. Were you able to do better this time? This strategy is effective because it forces you to figure out what you can recall at a certain time - just as you will have to do on your exams.
And last, but certainly not least, take advantage of the opportunity to seek extra help from your teachers. Some teachers offer review sessions, others will meet with students individually or in small groups to answer questions. And other teachers are willing to respond to e-mails to help clarify questions you might have. Remember, they know what is on the test (they created it!) and so they are your best resources for help, yet the work must be done by you to make certain that you truly know the concepts being covered in class.
Good luck and happy studying!
"How many classes should I take?" It is a common question that students are asking and, in all honesty, the answer depends.
When my niece and nephew were born I wanted to cross-stitch each of them a picture so that they would have something to keep forever as a way to remember how much I love them. I did great with finishing my niece's picture. It was framed and I took it with me to the hospital the day she was born. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same thing about my nephew's picture. It took me more than 5 years, but earlier this fall I finally was able to give him the picture I had cross-stitched for him. Better late than never, right?!? I don't know if you can tell from the picture, but it says "Bad to the Bone" and I was pleased that it turned out and relieved that it was finally finished. Even though it was finished far closer to his 6th birthday than to the day he was born, the love I have for him that I hope he senses when he looks at the picture is far more than words can convey. 
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