Exams can be stressful times in a student’s life, but with the right preparation strategies, you can navigate this challenge with confidence. Whether you’re facing your first set of college finals or trying to improve your study habits, these tips will help you prepare effectively and perform your best.

1. Study in Chunks

When chunking material, divide material into smaller clusters of five, seven or nine.  Chunking does not only apply to material; you can also chunk time.  Break up your study time into chunks.  For example: Study one subject for 1-hour, take a break, and then study a different subject for 1-hour.  Remember- taking breaks between subjects is important.   

2. Use Daylight Hours

We tend to be most alert during the day.  Use the time in between classes to study and complete assignments.  Don’t take naps!  Use that time in between classes wisely.  This helps you stick to a routine and go to bed at a decent hour.   

3. Make Healthy Choices 

Don’t skip out on eating or sleeping.  Do your best to schedule your time to prevent all-nighters.  Getting enough sleep is essential to doing well on your exams.  Monitor your emotional health by staying in tune with your stress levels.  Avoid junk food and try to eat a well-balanced breakfast before your exam.  

4. Active Learning

Active, not passive, learning is the most fundamental principle of efficient studying.  Active learning requires making decisions about the material.  For example, ask yourself: 

• When have I learned this concept before? 
• Is this important? 
• How is this part organized? 
• Where does this fit into the big picture? 
• What is the definition of this term? 

5. Find the Right Place to Study 

Every student has different preferences for where they get their best work done.  Whether you need complete silence to study or you prefer quiet music in the background, make sure you minimize distractions.  Turn your cellphone off or place it on do-not-disturb.  Find a spot on campus, other than your room, that best fits your preferred study atmosphere.   

6. Get Organized 

Organize all of your notes, PowerPoints from class and study tools before you begin studying.  If you are using note cards, quizlet or other study tools, have those prepared before you begin studying.  Develop a timeline for when you will create your study tools and when you will begin studying prior to each exam.   

7.  Plan Ahead 

Plan ahead for each of your exams.  Begin reviewing your notes as soon as possible.  This is key for cumulative exams.  It is especially important to plan ahead for cumulative exams because there is so much information to review.  Planning ahead also ensures other schedules, such as your work schedule or exams for other classes do not conflict with your study plan.   

8. Say, “Goodbye” to Distractions 

Eliminate anything that disrupts your thought pattern when studying.  Some examples of distractions are: 

• Turn off notifications to social media and other apps for the week that are distracting 
• If your hunger is distracting, keep healthy snacks on hand 
• If your roommates are distracting, find a quiet spot in the McGraw-Page Library to get work done 
• If your family likes to call during your allotted study times, establish expectations and communicate your goals  

9. Dress for Success 

Whether you prefer wearing a nice outfit or a casual outfit, it is still important to save your PJs for your bed.  Wearing your PJs to class sends the wrong psychological signals to your brain.  You want to signal to your brain that you care, you are alert and you are ready tackle your exam.   

10. Create a Study Group 

Studying in a group of four to six people offer the opportunity to engage in a more in-depth discussion with other students in your class.  Effective study groups establish ground rules.  Try your best not to get off topic, and if tangents arise, try to direct the conversation back to the study topic.  You do not want to waste your study time on discussions that will not help you learn the material.    

11. Create Study Materials 

Flashcards can be a useful tool for studying important terms, concepts, formulas and even quotes from reading assignments.  You can also use quizlet, studyblue and studystack.  You can also use games like Jeopardy to learn and remember vocabulary.