Taking tests can be difficult. We get it, collegiates. And we got your back. In our many years of conquering the feat of test-taking and studying, we compiled a few tips for you guys.
Time management: It takes you more than a few hours to prepare for a test. Give yourself time to learn the information. I recommend to start studying a week before the test. That way, you can take your time to absorb the information. It doesn’t help to cram all the information in your brain in one sitting (and that stresses you out!).
Note-taking: It’s really easy to take notes on a computer, but do you remember them? Not really. I find that putting the pen to paper is the best way to learn the material.You tend to remember the material better when you put it in writing.
Flashcards: It’s an old tactic, but a good one. The memorization that comes with the guessing game actually helps you learn. I’ve done this many times from classes in art history to science. It’s also a fun way to learn without burying your head in notes or books. Spice them up and make them pretty and coloful (the same goes for your notes).
GO TO CLASS! You can’t learn properly if you don’t go to class. Sure a book can provide information, but that doesn’t mean it helps you understand the material. The professor is there for a reason, utilize your class time to ask questions and make sure you understand the material. And do the readings, otherwise you’ll be clueless when you go to class.
Study Groups: It’s good to have your peers help you out. They can answer questions you may have and vice versa. The study rooms in Anschutz are always available and a good place to work out problems or terms.
Find a good study place: Many of you study in the library, but around finals time can be super noisy. Personally, I prefer Watson to Anschutz because it’s quieter and everyone seems more keen on studying. It needs to be a place you can focus and be rid of distractions. I prefer distractions like music or the TV, but that is how I work. It helps me focus more on the material and prepare for the noises you hear during the tests.
Take Breaks: In all nighters, people tend to cram all their information in and not take breaks. It helps to take little 10 to 20 minute breaks. It gives your brain time to rest and absorb the information you just learned.
Use your resources: Whether it be tutors, TAs, study guides, or your teachers, your resources will help you in the long run and help answer questionsf you are unsure about.
Get some sleep: Hence, why the all nighters are a bad idea. Never go to a test tired. There are many mistakes you can make, such as, reading the question wrong. Your brain needs to time to rest and relax. It functions best that way.
Have another study tip you’d like to share with us? Comment below!