Why is it that professors schedule exams for the same week or worse the same day? I think that they get together every semester and plan it that way. I really do. And I really do not appreciate it.
On Tuesday I have two exams: Business Law and Macroeconomics. I am doing great in my Business Law course and I really enjoy it. I enjoy it so much that I plan on going to law school a few years after graduation. My macro course is going well but it is just not my favorite subject (as in I would not want to spend my life doing it).
Here are a few tips that really help me do well on exams:
1. No cramming and get a good nights sleep.
To keep my anxiety at bay I do things well before hand, including studying. I feel that I learn better by taking things on gradually rather than cramming everything in right before an exam. I have a system that works pretty well for this.
- Before each class I do the assigned readings and highlight anything that pops out at me in one color. These are my favorite highlighters.
- I always start an audio recording on my computer for the lecture especially if I am feeling tired.
- In class I follow along in the book highlighting in a different color anything that the professor goes over or mentions.
- Meanwhile, I write down keywords that are defined or explained in the book on a sheet of notebook paper. As well as write down anything extra the professor has to say on the subject.
- When I get home from school I complete my notes in a notebook using the book and my notes from class to fill everything in.
- To really commit what I have learned to memory I read through my notebook before each scheduled class even if it is just for 5 minutes.
2. Talk to your professors!
- My business law professor gave our class some great advice. He said "Not only should you get to know your professors because they can be a great help, but it will also improve your grade. It is human nature to want to help those you like and know. While we as professors can't give you an A for a B we can try our best to find those couple points on your exam that can really make a different."
- Get to know them. Talk to them. Ask them questions. Let them help you. You pay for them and they are an invaluable resource!
- The week before any exam I go and talk to my professors about any ambiguities in my notes or any other questions I may have. This really helps calms my nerves before an exam.
3. Go to class and actually be present.
- This is by far my most important tip. If you can pay attention you will learn so much more.
- Be an active listener and engage with the lecture. If the professor asks a question raise your hand. Even if you are wrong you will have a better understanding of the topic and why your answer was wrong.
- I read an article on Levo League the other day about how your superiors know when you are not 100% there. This is important and refers back to #2 about professors. If they know that you are not putting in the effort they may be less likely to help you later on.
This is my usual plan of action. For homework I typically stick to The College Prepster's Intense Study Tips: Homework Section. That is, I go through my syllabuses every friday and do as much of next weeks homework as possible. That way during the week I do not have things constantly due which really lessens my anxiety.
How do you study for your exams? Your best study tips?
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