TEST PREPARATION

• Preparation for your first test should begin after the first day of class; this includes studying, completing homework assignments and reviewing study materials on a regular basis.

• Budget your time, make sure you have sufficient time to study so that you are well prepared for the test.

• Go to review sessions, pay attention to hints that the instructor may give about the test. Take notes and ask questions about items you may be confused about.

• Ask the instructor to specify the areas that will be emphasized on the test.

• Make sure you go to the class right before the test; it's another prime time for the instructor to give out more hints or the format of the test.

• Go over any material from practice tests, HW's, sample problems, review material, the textbook, class notes...

• Eat before a test. Having food in your stomach will give you energy and help you focus but avoid heavy foods which can make you groggy.

• Don't try to pull an all nighters. Get at least 3 hours of sleep before the test.

• Put the main ideas/information/formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times, this makes it easier to retain the key concepts that will be on the test.

• Try to show up at least 5 minutes before the test will start.

• Set your alarm and have a backup alarm set as well.

• Go to the bathroom before walking into the exam room. You don't want to waste anytime worrying about your bodily needs during the test.

STUDYING FOR THE SCIENCES

by Dartmouth college

"Prescription for Success"

Knowing how to approach the material is the first step in succeeding in a science course at Dartmouth. The amount of material covered, and the speed at which it is covered, may seem overwhelming; but if you follow these guidelines, your stress level will decline as your success increases. There are three elements to succeeding in a science course: Lecture, Time Management, and Test Preparation.

I. Lecture

A. Attend every lecture.

1. Everything you need to know will be covered in the lectures.

2. Go to lectures alert and awake.

3. Write down everything you can. Anything is fair game on the exam.

4. If you miss a lecture, get notes from at least 2 people.

B. Prepare for lectures.

1. Read over the lecture outline before class. This will help you focus.

2. Skim the reading that corresponds to the lecture outline.

C. Find a "Note Buddy".

1. Photocopy and swap your notes with someone after class every day.

2. Meet once a week and teach each other the notes.

II. Time Management

A. Start early

1. Use the first 2 weeks of the term. Don't start snowballing.

2. Start studying for your next exam 2 days after your first one.

B. Set deadlines

1. Make a term calendar.

2. Set new deadlines. Have all your studying done 2 days prior to the exam. This gives you 2 days to review.

C. Find your "Bio Hour".

1. Spend an hour a day reviewing your notes; make it part of your daily routine.

a. Three 20 minute sessions throughout the day

b. 40 minutes reviewing notes, 20 minutes preparing for lectures.

III. Test Preparation

A. Condense the material.

1. Make flash cards over your notes.

2. Write out answers to your cards.

B. Reading should be supplementary.

1. Use the reading to supplement all concepts covered in class.

2. Know all the figures that relate to the lecture.

C. Apply the material.

1. As you study, think of applications of the material.

2. Use old exams as guides to applying the material.