It's that time of the semester exam. We just got back from winter break. Nothing much has happened yet, but somehow you have three exams this Friday, and two more exams next week. Your whole life is falling apart and you have no idea how a month has passed...Or is that just me?
Luckily, last semester I developed an air-tight method of studying that will ensure you past every test and every class you'll ever have. I'm warning you now. It is not easy. It takes a lot of work. And this won't work if you try to cram everything you need to know into one night. These tips and tools need to be applied throughout the semester, and I promise you will pass any test you ever need to take.
1. Take textbook notes
The worse thing to ever do is sit down and read a textbook, but it helps you retain information so well! The first thing about remembering information is that you need to be exposed to it multiple times. If you take textbook notes before class, then you'll be reintroduced to the information during lecture, and introduced again when you do your homework assignments. However, the best thing to do is split the reading into sections. Use your syllabus to figure out which section your professor will be going over in class, and take notes on those sections before class. That way you're not reading a whole chapter before class, or better yet four chapters before an exam.
2. Color code
My whole life changed the day I bought a package of rainbow G2s. I always use my G2s to do my textbook notes and I color code everything. Color coding does not have to be super intricate. I only color code section heading and chapters, my actual notes, and important points. It's not the color coding itself that helps me to remember, but the fact that I can have fun and makes my notes colorful causes me to pay more attention to what I'm reading.
3. Quizlet
Quizlet is my life. Quizlet is the best platform there is to make flashcards. I recommend making flashcards for clicker and homework questions that you had a hard time in that way you'll remember those concepts better when it comes to the exam. I usually base my flashcards off of learning outcomes provided by my professors. Best of all - Quizlet has an app! I have the Quizlet app on my phone and tablet, so I can always get a little studying in wherever I am, which brings me to my next tip....
4. Review every chance you get
Again, the only way to remember information to the best to your ability is to be exposed to it multiple times. By using apps like Quizlet, or bringing your textbook notes to class with you to read over when you can will help to solidify concepts and information in your mind.
5. Use your resources
Usually before a test I utilize all the resources that my professors provided to the class, and I create a huge review packet for myself. The packet usually includes: textbook questions, worksheets, practice test, old exams, ect. I usually break the packet up into sections to be completed in the days before the test. Any questions that I have I'll either email my professor, go to office hours, or go to the tutoring center in the library.
After I have done my color coded textbook notes, burned my thumbs using the Quizlet app, reviewed my notes, and completed my review packet I am usually as ready as I can be for my exams, and more often then not I do pretty well. Use these tips. Learn effectively. And good luck on exams!
