When was the last time you studied for an exam? Or, how about this instead—when was the last time you prepared for an exam with the intention of understanding the material? Let’s be honest, we all know there’s going to be many things we’re required to know (or, more accurately, simply test correctly on) while we’re in college and some of those times it’s inexplicably frustrating and overwhelming. Personally, I’ve been in college five years earning my associate’s and my bachelor’s. Needless to say, I have quite the experience with navigating my way through potential obstacles.

Here are seven tips from my own experience that I think will help you succeed on your upcoming test and as a college student!

Stress is only bad when it begins to control you, instead of simply motivating you.

Information overload can cause you to stress, thinking that you’ll never get this information down. Your brain can only hold so many nuggets of inspiration and knowledge. When it begins to tell you, “Okay, I can’t remember what I read a minute ago,” you know it’s time to take a (short) break. A break also does not mean you start trying to “multi-task” because that eventually leads to nothing being completed to your best ability.

Use multiple resources when trying to understand complex material.

But always remember no matter what you find online or even in your book, if your teacher is personally creating the test, only your instructor will be able to explain it in the way he/she wants you to understand it. So if you need clarification after depleting your available resources, always follow up with them and explain what you think you know and what still confuses you.

Talking it out with classmates can be great…but other times it can lead to confusion.

Sometimes before an exam, it can be useful to study in a small group but oftentimes in the process of setting up a time and place, you can waste a lot of time just trying to get together when you could have been studying. That isn’t to say studying in a group isn’t useful, but learn how to be efficient at it by managing the material and breaking it down and then coming together to share what you learned (studying isn't about knowing everything, but knowing what you're expected to learn!).

If possible, attend SI (supplemental instruction) sessions!

I’m not just saying this because I used to hold one of these positions, cough, cough, but they can actually give you a perspective you hadn’t thought about through activities, quizzes and socialization with others in your class. Plus, your SI Leader probably took time to ensure they’re approachable and aiding in your understanding, so what do you have to lose?

Find a way to connect with the material.

Okay, so math for me doesn’t exactly “connect.” In fact, numbers roam freely in my mind and I think I’m convinced that I’ll never quite “get it.” However, there’s typically ways you can look at the material to help you see the light at the end of the potentially dark, dingy tunnel that can sometimes be college life. Whether or not I like math, I sure liked getting the grades I wanted, so I made it work and sometimes that’s the best we can do (and there’s nothing wrong with that!).

Your "best" varies day-to-day.

Don't beat yourself up if while trying your best one day you ace the material while on another day, trying your best just means struggling to stay awake during the class period. Granted, if your case is more like the latter, recognize that your best could be better and take the steps needed to change things up for the better.

And lastly….

Your mental health is worth more than that test.

There was actually a time during one of my classes that I purposefully skipped a class that I knew we were taking a test in because I knew I couldn’t handle it (fortunately, I was able to make it up). This isn’t to say we should skip tests or not prepare because we’ve “had a bad day.” However, there are times when we need to remind ourselves that a grade is a distinction, but our life is all we have. We should take care of ourselves in every way we can, and that includes sometimes taking a (responsible) break and having a mental health day (preferably not on a test day!).

I hope these tips have helped, and just remember that college is temporary but the habits you develop now can last a lifetime!