Preparing For An Exam

By Hedrick Lepsch


Exams are daunting. They are bigger than quizzes and seem more grade-altering that just a regular test. For some reason entrance exams and finals exams seem particularly ominous. But never fear, with the proper preparation it is possible to ace that final exam in computer science, business administration or whatever class that is causing you anxiety.

Test preparation begins with an organized plan. Give yourself enough time to effectively study the material for your test. Utilize memorization, visualization, and other study techniques to help you effectively recall the information as needed. Gather as much information you can about what to expect on the test and what will be expected of you and work to be able to meet those expectations.

Second, take five or ten minutes a day to review the previous day's notes, and any other notes you have taken during the semester. This habitual renewing of material is more effective at retaining information than any midnight cram session.

When the exam in looming around the corner, you should review your notes over a period of a few days. Better yet, review your notes with classmates. That way you can help answer one another's questions and relieve anxiety over the coming exam.

While telling a beleaguered, poor college student that one of the best ways to prepare for an exam it plenty of rest and a healthy diet maybe an exercise in futility, it doesn't change the truth of the statement. If at all possible get more than 6 hours of sleep before the exam day, and have a hearty breakfast with plenty of protein and carbs.

Even though your body craves sugar when it is stressed, partaking in too many sweets before an exam can give you an artificial high that will leave you even more exhausted than before, and will impair your ability to concentrate during the exam. Additionally, be sure to bring extra pencils, scrap paper or batteries for your calculator for you exam. You never know when disaster may strike and you don't want your only pencil to break five minutes before the exam is over. Also giving some of your extra supplies to your desperate classmates who were not so thorough in their preparation for the exam is a charitable act. You never know how such favors will be repaid.

Lastly, give yourself plenty of time to get to your exam and to take your exam. Being late to exam only increase your anxiety and adds more stress to an already stressful situation.

Test taking is an inescapable part of the education and learning process. Whether you are working on an art degree or an accounting degree, you want to be prepared and confident with each test that you take. The more time you are able to spend in quiet, focused study the more confidence you can gain in your test taking skills and whether it's a pop quiz or a final exam, you can ace it every time.




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