Last-Minute Study Techniques

It seems like everyone's been there. You had every intention of doing all the readings and studying all the terms on the test but it now the night before and you haven't done anything. You have lagged behind and even missed a few classes. Here are some study techniques that will greatly increase the likelihood of doing well on an exam.

1. Use note cards. These are one of most phenomenal study tools you can use. This is especially true if the teacher offers a study guide because then you know the words you must define before doing anything else. Even if you are making them in the wee hours of the night before the test, they are an excellent memory aid. They are a good way of giving you a quick definition of key terms. They surpass any other method of studying because they allow you the versatility of being able to pull them out anywhere and getting the key terms. They are excellent because you don't have to wade through a bunch of extraneous information to get what you have to know. You can even look at them as you are walking to class.

2. Use color coding to help your memory. It is amazing just how much this simple step helps. Whether it is using certain color note cards for certain chapters, certain time periods, or certain concepts this helps give your brain one more memory tool to help remember the concept. Using different color highlighters for your book also helps(make sure you do it consistently though). I fully credit the reason that I passed anatomy with the fact that I bought a coloring book which had me label each part of the body.(Yes it felt a little funny but it made the terms stand out in my mind)

3. Try to get a study group together. Although this can be a little difficult at the last minute(you would be surprised as to how many people are open to it though and in your same position) it is amazing how much you retain when you can talk over concepts and hear people's explanations of certain concepts. Even if you can have a roommate or family member quiz you real quick with note cards this is a great way of feeling more prepared for the exam. Having other people question you also is great for cementing in the terms and giving you a chance to see if you truly do remember them.