"I will have to pull an all nighter."
"I still have not studied yet."
"I do not remember learning any of this."
These are the few on many things you will most likely hear from college students during test week.
Being a college student is tough and can be challenging at times especially when it comes to tests. I am a third-year student in college and I still have times where I have not fully prepared and prioritized for my tests.
While I have not been the best at this, I have learned a few lessons om what to do and remember before and after taking tests.
1. Start Preparing 2-3 Days Before the Test
This can be hard but for about 30-45 minutes, familiarize yourself with the notes and class material that will be on the test on the first day. One the second day, for 30-45 minutes again, familiarize yourself with the notes and class material but also try to memorize certain concepts. On the third day, STUDY! Take however much time you think you need to make sure you are comfortable and know all of the material for the test.
2. Try to make time for sleep
I know a lot of people are used to pulling all nighters and going to class off of no sleep. This is fine because for some people, different things work best for them. If you are like, you have to find sleep at any means possible. When we are tired, we can not function properly. It is important to take as much time as you need to study but also make sure you are at your best.
3. It is okay to not meet your expectations right away
Your results on the test does not mean you failed and will never meet your expectations. Instead, it means that you may need to do certain things different to achieve your expectation. Not every class and test is going to be the same. Plus, things are just not going to go your way at times. The only way to achieve your own expectations is to believe and invest in yourself but also put in the work.
4. Review your test
It is always important (no matter how bad) to look over your test and see what mistakes you made. We all make mistakes so do not be too hard on yourself. Think about why you chose the answers that you did and how you were thinking during the time of the test. Analyze your answers and write notes so that you can remember what to do the next time you take your test.
5. Go to office hours
We do not want to go to our professors office hours for various reasons but it is actually helpful for you. By going to office hours, you show your professor that you care about your grades and that you want to get what is best for you. Also, your professors can give you insight on how to study for their quizzes and exams which is a plus for you.
