Here are some tips
on studying for exams.
- Start on Day One. You should always be studying for the
next exam. Do a little each day, or
at the very least start studying 2 3 days before the exam. Do NOT start studying the night before
the exam. Cramming, while a time
honored college tradition, just doesn’t work as well as spending time each
day studying, especially with a math class.
- Get a Good Night's Sleep. Get a good night's sleep the night before
the exam. It is important to be well
rested and mentally sharp when you take the exam.
- Make a List of Important
Concepts/Formulas. Review your
notes and make a concise list of important concepts and formulas. Make sure you know these formulas and
more importantly how to use them!
- Rework Homework Problems. Do not just read over the homework
problems. Actually rework
them. Writing down the steps will
help you to remember them. Make
sure that you try to do the problems without looking at the solutions.
- Rework Book/Notes Examples. Cover up the solutions to book or note
examples and try to rework them.
When looking for problems from the book don’t forget that most
books have a review section at the end of each chapter that usually
contains more problems.
- Look for Identifying Characteristics
in Problems. While doing your
homework you knew which section it came out of. This provided some clues as to the
solution process. During an exam
you won’t have this to help you.
So, while reviewing your homework look for identifying
characteristics that will give you clues on how to identify that kind of
- Take a Practice Exam. Find some problems and treat them a
practice test. Give yourself a time
limit and don’t use your notes or book.