There is no substitute for thorough preparation throughout a semester. Think in terms of objectives of the course, why you are in the course, what you want or need to learn.
However, when exam time comes, the objectives of the instructor are most important. An instructor cannot ask questions about everything in the course, but must obtain a sample of your knowledge about the content of the course in order to make a valid evaluation of your performance.
General Study Practices
- Make a written schedule
- Day and hour of each exam
- Time to study each subject
- Time for relaxation
- Gather materials of each course together
(Outlines-lecture notes-texts-outside reading notes-etc.)
- List main topics of course
- Organize facts (laws, principles, theories, ideas, illustrations, definitions, events, dates, etc.)
- Write a summary of each of the topics
- Anticipate what questions might be asked
- Organize a study group - or join one...
- Prepare items and quiz each other
- Re-study and-review deficiencies revealed by group
- Review past efforts with same instructor
- Other exams that have been returned
- If an exam file exists, test yourself on them (Be sure to check your answers with an authority)
- Talk with friends who have taken the course (a check in instructor biases--if any)
- Make sure you know what exam will cover and what it will not a course syllabus and the instructor are best sources of this information
- Take care of your person
- Eat regularly and sleep normally
- Cut down on hours devoted to your job (if you can) and to hobbies (ski trips, late hour dancing, etc.) until after exam
- Think of all the times you've succeeded in exams
- Make the topic of the course your topic of conversation with your friends
- Go to the exam to show off what you know.
- Have the materials you need with you
- Be on time but not too early (sometimes poorly prepared students congregate early hoping to learn something from others) to avoid the waiting-for-something-to-happen jitters