what are some good study tips useful for big exams?

Hi Diana, this is such a great question and it really depends on your mission/goal; how you learn; and how much time you have to prepare. I am going to answer this from a student's point of view but imagine that your professor is also constantly assessing how to help her/his students. Having been both a student and a professor, this is a great way to think about this question. Imagine if you were the professor, what would you want "you" to learn.

LEARNING STYLE:

Some people are visual learners while others are verbal or social…so start by listing out the ways you learn the best. What works for you? When are you the most successful? Some people learn best in study groups while others need to focus in a quiet corner of a library. The subject you are taking can also make a difference about how you best learn the material. Start by Googling “Different Learning Styles” and see if you can figure out how you learn best. Maybe you already know.

PLANNING & TIMING:

Then, look at your syllabus and write down what the exam is going to cover. Many times professors will tell you exactly what will be on the exam. This is great and you can use this as a map to budget your study time so you cover and practice the key areas. Many times professors will also tell you what the format of the exam will be. This can also help you prepare: is it essay, multiple choice, fill in the blanks. If a professor doesn’t tell you what is in the exam, look at the material you covered in class as well as your notes. How does the professor think; and what are the important points (star/highlight these - there's your outline). Make educated guesses about what areas to focus on. Try to see if other students have the same insights as you. Sometimes the professor will provide official practice tests or materials at the library or give you a study outline. Don’t be afraid to go to office hours and ask questions or get help before the exam. Students that ask for help and are engaged show that they care about what is happening and they are trying to master a subject. Just trying and communicating interest goes a very long way. That said, a professor can see when you aren't studying enough so you have to do the work and be prepared.

BE AN ACTIVE LEARNER:

Active learning is better than passive learning. Quiz yourself, make flashcards, make your own test questions, and/or explain the subject to someone else. If you can explain it your probably have mastered it. Go over the material a couple of times (this is where a study schedule can help). Figure out how many days you have to get ready and work at it each day until test day. Use your learning style to select methods of study that make the material stick.

BE PREPARED AND BE YOUR BEST YOU

On the day of the test, be sure to have a good night’s sleep, plenty of food/snacks, test materials, and a focused mindset. Try to give yourself the best chance at doing well.

HAVE A TEST STRATEGY:

Look over the entire exam and come up with a strategy to get the most points possible. Read all the questions carefully and then work the exam. Leave yourself some time to check over the answers before you turn it in. Many times you will get credit for attempting a question, so partial credit can really help you.

ASSESS YOUR RESULTS & MAKE A PLAN

Once you get your results back, determine what worked and didn’t work. Talk to the professor and get their advice on where you can improve. Change your study style if you are not totally meeting your expectations. This type of self-assessment is a skill that is really valuable and you will use in your school and work life. If you didn’t do very well, develop a game plan with your professor and work at your mastery and start preparing for the next exam now. If you did well, why did you do well and what can you do to keep moving in the right direction.