How To Study For Exams

Are you a last minute crammer? Do you wait until the night before an exam then stay up all night hoping something will stay in your brain long enough to help you pass your exam? If so, we’d like to encourage you to rethink your study habits.

Last minute cramming only lasts long enough to take the test, which means as you progress in your studies, you’ll have to relearn what you should already know. So when should you begin studying for your exams? How about the moment you begin receiving in-class assignments and homework?

Studies have shown that students retain more information when they study in small chunks of time over a long period of time, versus studying in one large chunk of time over an extremely short period of time.

The best way to study is to make sure you understand the concepts being presented—even if it means seeking help after the assignment is turned in.

Once you understand the concepts, it’s time to begin memorizing what you’ve learned and the best way to do that is to break large chunks of information up into bite-size, digestible chunks of information.

Once you’ve broken the information up into smaller chunks, choose a study method that works best for you:

• Study cards – write information down using keywords and bullet points.
  
• Cue cards – use acronyms to help remember phrases.
  
• Diagrams – use pictures and charts to help remember sequences and important information.
  
• Recorders – when information is really complicated to remember, record the information and listen to it during drive time and rest periods.
  

Come back on Monday to learn more about taking college tests.