Get Exam Ready!

Exams are right around the corner for both high school and college students.  While teachers may wait until the week before the exam to review material or post a study guide, this is not enough time for students to store material -- especially for multiple classes -- in their long term memory.  

Here is a helpful schedule to help students use their time wisely and study effectively:

Four Weeks Before the Exam: 

• Collect your materials.  Make sure all handouts and notes are out of your backpack.  

• Create a folder for each class and organize all materials in the order they were taught.

• Bookmark online tools with clear labels, like Quizlet or textbook chapter quizzes.

• Reach out to a classmate or teacher if you are missing any notes.

Three Weeks Before the Exam:

• Create your own study guide.

• Review 2-3 subjects a night.  Alternate your easiest and hardest subjects.

• Study for 20 minutes every other day.  

• Ask for clarification if you do not understand something from your notes.

Two Weeks Before the Exam:

• Continue rotating subjects each night.

• Study each subject in 45 minute sessions.

• Be the teacher -- put the material in your own words and record yourself teaching it..

• Begin using the teacher’s study guides (if provided).  Answer the questions on a separate sheet so you can use the guide later to quiz yourself.

One Week Before the Exam:

• Continue rotating subjects each night.

• Study each subject for one hour.

• Use mnemonic devices and engage several of your senses to help you remember the material.

The Night Before the Exam

• Have your materials packed including a charged computer and calculator if needed.

• Get a good night's sleep!

• Plan to eat a breakfast that will fuel your brain and keep your tummy happy all morning.

Following the exam

• Reflect on what worked well and what aspects of your studying could be improved in the future. 

• Write down anything you’ll change for next time.