How Successful Students Prepare for Tests



Are you really doing everything you can to prepare for tests? Re-reading the chapter and looking over your notes is not enough. Below is a list of tips for test preparation from successful students.
 

  •  Keep up to date with assignments.

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  •  Take notes in every class every day. This includes asking questions when you don’t understand.

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  •  Process information as you come to it. Learning information is much different than

    •       "becoming acquainted" with it.
     
  •  Process information systematically. Label in the margin works well for most people.

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  • Adapt it to suit your learning styles. Capitalize on the discipline label in the margin requires and

    •      make it habit to process information from texts and lectures, not just go over it.
     
  • Have a study place that is free of distractions.

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  • Have a specific time for initial study of each subject. You may need more than this time, but

    •      having  a set time will save you time .
     
  •  Make summary sheets, flash cards, and practice tests.

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  •  Always carry some kind of pocket work and make use of wasted spare minutes by reciting and

    •      thinking about what you are learning.
     
  •  Learn something new or difficult in you strongest intelligence, sense or in your dominant

    •    hemisphere. Reinforce it with as many different ways as possible.
     
  • Find a study partner or two in each class and routinely take turns teaching each other the material.

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  •  Prepare for each class as if there will be a pop quiz.
  • Tips from Practicing College Learning Strategies, 3rd ed Houghton Mifflin by Dr. Carolyn Hopper
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