EXAM TIP # 1

This is especially for those of you in the summer sprint–you have either just written or will soon write a mid-term. I’ve blogged extensively on preparing for exams and writing them–this week I’m going to share the single most effective tactic in preparing for an exam. 

First, I’m assuming that you have reviewed the material from your class notes, the text and supplementary material. What most students do at this point is repeatedly go over the material again and again, the way you keep repeating a phone number until you can enter it on your phone. That’s how we keep things in short-term memory–but you want the course content (a) in long-term memory and (b) readily accessible.

Here’s where today’s tip comes in: You make up the exam. To do this, you engage those parts of your brain involved in analysis of the material, which requires many more neural connections than just repeating the same words over and over.

If you can, find out whether the exam will be short-answer questions, multiple choice, technical terms, diagrams, maps, or essay questions. Then, using that format, go through the material and make up an exam question for each and every point that could be used for an exam question. Actually write out each question and recite each answer.

Make sure you cover any topics the instructor has emphasized, as well as the learning objectives on the syllabus. Hint: At the last class, you or a classmate should ask, “What’s going to be on the exam?” It’s amazing how often the instructor will tell you, or hint strongly. Actually, it’s not amazing: Instructors really do want you to do well.

If you want to kick this up a notch, have a study buddy make up an exam as well–then exchange exams with them.

That’s it for my Number One tip on preparing for an exam. Let me know how it works for you!

I’d like to explore with you how we can customize a program to move you toward your goals this fall. Connect with me here: [email protected]  

The information in this blog cannot take the place of support from your own mental health professional or community health resources. Reach out to them. And IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS PLEASE DIAL 911.