How to Prepare for a Test

Preparation for a test begins during class. You should be paying attention during the class and taking good notes. You should also be completing your
homework and reviewing the material you have been given regularly. Ask questions during class about anything you may be confused about.

A crucial part in preparing for a test is making sure not to leave all studying to the last minute. Studying every day for a couple of days before the test helps you learn more. It also helps the information to stay in your mind. By cramming for a test the day of or the day before, you will not be able to remember the information as clearly and may not do as well as you could have done.

In order to do well on a test, you need to study. However, you also need to know how to study in a way that is helpful. First, make sure you have enough time to study all of the material; give yourself at least a week to do it. Writing out a schedule may be helpful. Go over the material from homework, practice tests, notes, and your textbook. Take points from your textbook and notes and put them all together on a sheet of paper to study more easily. You can also take questions or problems from class work and notes and make them into flashcards you can use.

While studying, be careful in pacing yourself. When you try to study too much, too fast, it is easier to get distracted. Try and reward yourself too; give yourself breaks while studying. It can also be good to find a friend that studies the same as you do. You can go over the material with them and quiz each other.

On the day before your test, review all of your material; get a good night’s rest. Do not try to pull an all nighter; you will be tired for your test and will not be able to focus as well as you could have.

On the day of the test, have a good breakfast. Go to the bathroom before the test begins; you do not want to have to get up in the middle of the test or not be able to focus because of your bodily needs. Arrive to your class at least five minutes before class begins. By showing up early, you can clear up any last minute confusion you still have about any material. Take a deep breath right before the test starts. You will do fine on your test; have confidence, relax, and take your test.