The Art of Studying for Tests and Exams

Studying for a major exam is a grueling process, and a lot of hard work. You have to consider what material you will need to study the most, how best to study, and where to do so. Finding a good environment to work in and knowing a general idea of what is most likely on the test will greatly improve your score and make you look god to your teachers.

When picking material to study you need to have a basic idea of what is going to be on the test. Obviously if you are taking an exam in science class you have to study science, but try to be more specific. Whatever you have recently gone over in class will more then likely have more questions appear in that particular category. Also take advantage of review guides your teachers may pass out, normally these guides are the actual final exam from a few years ago. Studying these guides may be the biggest thing that will help you with your test.

Now consider how best to study for a test, the answer is actually quite simple. Take notes during the year and refer back to them during study time. Also attend study groups with fellow classmates and review material often. A good student will not need to cram the night before an exam because having proper notes and attending study groups will be enough. But if you did not take notes and have goofed off all year (like I may have done once or twice) then review your books and check the key markings that normally follow the conclusion of each chapter. Also make sure your friends with that one person that is an amazing note taker in class and study with them. Chances are this person will be vital in your success.

Now once you have found the time to study and have the material on hand, choose a location best to study in. The Library is a good old fashioned choice, you can't go wrong here, but also find somewhere that suites you best. A coffee shop might be a good idea, but also somewhere outdoors always works for me. I love studying in the park, or near a lake, just because it's peaceful and serine, I can really concentrate out and away from campus, a place to get away from people, and distractions all together.

Try to avoid taking electronic devices with you while you're studying. Many people contest that they do better while listening to music, however this is untrue. You may feel better while listening to music, but in reality you're not doing yourself any favors. Your brain will be focused on the song, or tune, or lyrics rather then the material at hand. With this in mind leave your ipod, mp3 player ect. At home or in your dorm and just get in some good old fashioned study time.

Get plenty of sleep the night before a test. Getting plenty of rest will refresh you and allow you to think clearly before the big moment of taking the test. Also try to have some candy on hand to suck on during a test or exam. A mint or butterscotch is good, just anything that has a simple amount of sugar and is hard. This small release of sugar will continually simulate the brain and make your work more efficient.

The last thing I want you to try and do the morning before the test is to play video games! That's right playing video games will actually help to get your brain in a mind set of working through problems, and playing video games will help make your brain wake up and begin to function on a logical level. Any video game is good, but those that require more thinking and button mashing are going to be better for you.

So keep these simple things in mind when a test rolls around and you should be fine, just be sure not to wait until the last moment and try to cram!