Some useful study tips for tests and exams
1. Highlight.
If you get a hand out with lots of writing on it, go through and highlight, but only the really important stuff! You don't want to highlight everything or it won't be as easy to pick out the most important information.
2. Make study cards
Write out important terms, concepts and questions on study cards. Make the sure the questions don't require a huge, long answer, but rather break things down. Having the answers in from of you helps you be sure you aren't memorizing the wrong thing!
3. Have a study group
This will help keep you on track and you can get ideas on how to remember things from other people.
4. Study right before you go to bed
While you sleep, your brain strengthens new memories, so there's a greater chance you'll remember what you were studying the next day.
5. But don't study in your bed!
You likely associate studying with stress, and you don't want your mind to associate your bed as a stressful environment. This can make it difficult to sleep, or make it a stressful environment which is not good if you are trying to get a good nights rest before a big test.
6. Get a good sleep the night before your test
Although you may think pulling an all nighter to study for a test is the best idea, it will leave you tired for the next day. Start studying earlier, and get to sleep, because that's when your brain processes information.
7. Choose a small section to try and remember
It is easier to process and remember smaller bits of information, so space out your studying and work on small sections at a time.
8. Try studying in different places
Studies have been done that suggest studying in differnt places makes you more likely to remember information. So move around to help make the most of your studying.
9. Do some practice tests
This helps you practice and prepare for the actual test by making your brain try and access information so when you are writing the real test you'll have an easier time accessing it then.
10. Practice reading your notes out loud
This way you are hearing it, and seeing it.
Study Music
One thing that really helps me focus and study is listening to classical or instrumental music. This way the words do not interfer with my leaning, but I'm able to keep focused.
Below are some YouTube videos of great study music. I find its best to listen to music you don't know so you don't get distracted by it.
Below are some YouTube videos of great study music. I find its best to listen to music you don't know so you don't get distracted by it.
Another way I like to listen to music is through an app called 8 tracks. It is available free through the App Store and has thousands of great playlists, including some great ones for studying.
If you would like to go to the 8 Tracks website, click here.
For some links directly to instrumental playlists, click below.
Somewhere Beautiful
Crisp Notes
Keep Calm While you Cram
Concentrate II
Jazz and Coffee
Late Nights at the Library
If you would like to go to the 8 Tracks website, click here.
For some links directly to instrumental playlists, click below.
Somewhere Beautiful
Crisp Notes
Keep Calm While you Cram
Concentrate II
Jazz and Coffee
Late Nights at the Library