STUDY TIPS & TEST TAKING TIPS

ORI 101

• Prioritize your activities • Divide you activities in to groups A, B, and C

• A items being most important and must be completed first

• B items should be completed within a week • C items should be completed by the end of the month

• Combine activities if possible •  Look over your notes while eating • Make a mental list of things to do while getting ready

each morning

Tips for Success - STUDY • The key to success is PREPARATION

• Create a quiet study environment

Read before class • This will help you understand lecture • This will save you time later

• Review notes daily after class

• Ask “why” something happens as you study

Why Take Notes: • Forces you to listen • Helps you determine important points when you read text

• Reinforces memory

Note Taking Tips • Sit in the front/center of the room • Date your notes • Use an easy to read structure • Write down anything the instructor puts on the board or repeats

• Make special note of terminology and definitions

• Emphasis – tone of voice or gestures • Work signals

Note Taking Tips • Summaries and Reviews • Write legibly • Put notes in your own words except for:

• Formulas, definitions, and specific facts • Ask instructor to repeat or explain things you don’t understand

• Compare notes with a classmate, but don’t depend on their notes

• Pay attention in class • Complete homework assignments • Review materials regularly (right after class while it is fresh)

• Budget your time • Go to review sessions

• Be sure to attend the class before each test • Take notes and ask questions

• Space out your studying • Do not wait until the night before the test

Study and Test Taking Tips • Be prepared

• Have all of your resources and materials available

• Find a comfortable place • Avoid your bed – tempting to nap

• Study the most important material first • Learn general concepts first

• Take notes and summarize ideas

• Review resources • Practice tests • Textbook • Notes and sample problems

• Put main ideas, information, or formulas on note cards

• Studying a little everyday will ensure material is committed to long term memory

• Understand – don’t just memorize • If studying in a group, make sure others are serious

• Use review questions in the textbook • Eat healthy before the test • Don’t cram or pull an all-nighter

• Get at least 8 hours of sleep

• Arrive 5 minutes early for the test • Set a backup alarm if needed

• Bring all needed materials (pen, pencil, paper, etc.)

• Bring a watch so you can pace yourself • Relax and stay positive • Don’t let your eyes wander • At first, quickly survey the test so you can budget your time

• Complete easy questions/problems first • Complete problems that have the most points value • Read the entire question (do not make assumptions) (Make sure you answer all parts of the question)

• Write legibly • Ask instructor to clarify question if needed •  If you don’t know an answer, skip it, and come back to it later

•  If you finish early, review your answers • Only change an answer if you misread or

misinterpreted the question

• Make sure your name is on your paper before submitting it

• When your graded test is returned, review it and ensure you understand your mistakes • Ask a classmate or teacher for correct answers •  If your teacher reviews the test, take notes (helpful for preparing for comprehensive exams)

General Post Test Tips

• When you get back your test look it over and make sure that there are no grading mistakes

•  If you aren't satisfied with your grade go to your instructor and see if there's a make-up exam or any extra credit you can do.

• Save the test to study for future cumulative tests.

Source: Test Taking Tips.Com

Food and Nutrition

•  Increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables to build up your natural reserve.

• Make a list and prepare some healthy snacks you can keep for use during studying or breaks.

• Try to maintain regular meal times and eat healthy balanced meals. Your body will need all the help you can give it to serve you well during this time.

Drugs and Medication

• Assess your current drug and medication intake. Are there any that will cause sedation or stimulation that will inhibit your preparation for finals?

• Assess your current caffeine use. Constant use tends to diminish the effectiveness of any drug. Keep caffeine intake below 200 mg/day.

• Alcohol and other central nervous systems depressants are discouraged if you are trying to stay awake and alert beyond normal limits and/or trying to maximize performance.

Sleep & Relaxation • Maintain as normal a sleeping pattern as possible.

• Don't try and fall asleep until you've had a chance to calm down and relax.

• Select several different relaxation techniques, practice them so they are handy for use during studying.