- Build confidence by studying throughout the semester and avoid cramming the night before the exam. A final review is fine, but trying to cover two months of material in two hours is not an effective way to prepare for an exam.
- Learn to concentrate on the material you are studying by:
- generating questions from your textbooks and lecture notes.
- focusing on key words, concepts, and examples in your textbooks and lecture notes.
- making charts and outlines which organize the information in your notes and textbooks.
- Using 3"x5" cards for learning specific concepts or formulas.
- Reviewing text, notes, and homework problems.
- Making your study setting conducive to studying and free from distractions.
- Improving your perspective of the test-taking experience can actually help you enjoy studying and may improve your performance. Don't overplay the importance of the grade--it is not a reflection of your self-worth nor does it predict your future success.
- Engage in "thought stopping" if you find that you are worrying a lot, mentally comparing yourself to your peers, or thinking about what others may say about your performance in a course.
- Practice anxiety control strategies. As you study, deliberately induce anxiety by saying to yourself the negative thoughts you typically have during an exam (i.e., "I'm going to fail.") Then, practice the anxiety control procedures described in the following sections. Remind yourself that you will probably experience some anxiety during tests, but the anxiety won't hamper your performance because you've practiced controlling the anxiety.
- Allow time for recreation and study breaks. When you schedule fun and relaxation, enjoy.
- Maintain a regular exercise program
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