Use bullet points and symbols to help take notes faster so you don’t miss any information, and write as neatly as you can. You don’t want to struggle to read your own writing later on! Try writing your notes in a flowchart or concept map so you can keep similar ideas and subjects together. [2] X Research source If you miss something in your notes, ask another classmate or your instructor after class to go over what you missed.
Your teacher may even hand out study guides or practice exams so you can see questions that are similar to the ones on the actual test.
If you have required readings, take notes on the text so you remember it better.
Write down all the exam topics on flashcards and go through them every day. When you get confused by a topic, put the cards on the top of the stack so you know you need to focus on those areas first. As you get more familiar with a topic, try taking a 1- to 2-day break from reviewing it. When you come back to it, see if you still remember all of the information.
Practice exams are a great way to eliminate stress from the actual test since you’ll get used to the time crunch and topics covered. If you can’t find a practice exam, make one of your own. Check your textbook for questions at the end of the chapter and write your own questions based on your notes or class discussions.
Be sure to check what you wrote for accuracy as well. Even if you think you remember something well, make sure it’s the right information. Try writing the information as if you were teaching it to someone else. That way, you can get a better, more simplified understanding of it as well.
Make a study guide for the group with sample questions from the book or online. Try taking turns explaining topics to one another so you don’t need to read as much on your own. Take a few 10-minute breaks while you’re studying so you have some time to relax and have fun with your classmates.
If you still have a lot on your mind before you go to bed, try meditating or reading a book to help calm down and feel relaxed.
Eat a balanced diet with fruits and vegetables since it can help you pay better attention while you’re taking the test. [11] X Research source
Try to avoid talking negatively to other students as well. For example, don’t tell your classmates that you’re nervous or that you don’t think you studied enough.
If you’re confused by a question on the test, ask your teacher for clarification. Chances are another one of your classmates might also be confused.
The right answers on a multiple-choice exam are usually grammatically correct or have similar words as the question. Words like “no,” “never,” “always,” and “only” in true-or-false questions are usually false.
Even if you don’t get the right answer, you may still get partial credit if you show your work and thought process.
