This document provides study strategies and tips for exam preparation. It discusses why studying for exams can be challenging, including having to cover a large amount of material over several months. It then outlines effective study techniques like starting early, creating a schedule, using proven methods like SQ3R, getting organized, and varying activities. Specific memorization strategies and tips for dealing with lack of concentration are also presented. The document concludes by discussing objective exams and providing advice for that exam format.

1. Exam Study StrategiesExam Study Strategies
that REALLY Work!that REALLY Work!
A Student Services WorkshopA Student Services Workshop

2. Why Can Studying forWhy Can Studying for
Exams Be Such AExams Be Such A
Challenging Task?Challenging Task?
 It can be overwhelming to study 5 months worth ofIt can be overwhelming to study 5 months worth of
material for one testmaterial for one test
 Sometimes we are exhausted by the end of theSometimes we are exhausted by the end of the
semestersemester
 The exam can be worth a fairly high percentage ofThe exam can be worth a fairly high percentage of
our final mark in the courseour final mark in the course
 We often have 1-3 other exams we also need to beWe often have 1-3 other exams we also need to be
studying for…where do we find the time?studying for…where do we find the time?
 We don’t teach students how to study, we assumeWe don’t teach students how to study, we assume
they know how best to do this, for every individualthey know how best to do this, for every individual
subject areasubject area

3. How Do Students Make ExamHow Do Students Make Exam
Studying An Even MOREStudying An Even MORE
Stressful Experience?Stressful Experience?
 They have unorganized and/or incomplete notesThey have unorganized and/or incomplete notes
from the coursefrom the course
 They have not been asking questions along the wayThey have not been asking questions along the way
to ensure understandingto ensure understanding
 They don’t budget their time wisely or start studyingThey don’t budget their time wisely or start studying
far enough ahead of timefar enough ahead of time
 They don’t consider ways to make the most of theirThey don’t consider ways to make the most of their
studying timestudying time
 They don’t recognize the time and effort that will beThey don’t recognize the time and effort that will be
required to be adequately prepared for the examrequired to be adequately prepared for the exam
 They don’t adjust other priorities during exam timeThey don’t adjust other priorities during exam time
to make the exams their primary focusto make the exams their primary focus

4. The Keys to EffectiveThe Keys to Effective
StudyingStudying
 Effective study skills must beEffective study skills must be
practiced in order to improvepracticed in order to improve
 It’s not enough to “think about”It’s not enough to “think about”
studying – you actually have tostudying – you actually have to
do it and then reflect on whatdo it and then reflect on what
you could be doing betteryou could be doing better

5. General Exam Study Tips…General Exam Study Tips…
Tested and True!Tested and True!
 Begin studying no less than 30-60 minutes after aBegin studying no less than 30-60 minutes after a
mealmeal
 Never study within 30 minutes of going to sleepNever study within 30 minutes of going to sleep
 Prioritize! Make a list of what you intend to studyPrioritize! Make a list of what you intend to study
and prioritize the listand prioritize the list
 Study no more than 45-60 minutes at a stretch, andStudy no more than 45-60 minutes at a stretch, and
then take breaksthen take breaks
 Take breaks away from your desk and doTake breaks away from your desk and do
something differentsomething different
 Try to continue your daily habits as usual (don’tTry to continue your daily habits as usual (don’t
drastically reduce your sleep, eliminate exercise, ordrastically reduce your sleep, eliminate exercise, or
overeat)overeat)

6. Creating the RightCreating the Right
Environment for StudyingEnvironment for Studying
 When deciding where you should do your examWhen deciding where you should do your exam
studying consider the following:studying consider the following:
 Make sure the environment is moderatelyMake sure the environment is moderately
comfortable (furniture, temperature)comfortable (furniture, temperature)
 Work somewhere where you will be free ofWork somewhere where you will be free of
distractions (phone, TV, MSN etc.)distractions (phone, TV, MSN etc.)
 Try to use a space that is YOURS only andTry to use a space that is YOURS only and
doesn’t have to be shared with other familydoesn’t have to be shared with other family
membersmembers
 Keep the study space organized with a specificKeep the study space organized with a specific
place for paper, pens, books etc.place for paper, pens, books etc.
 Have everything you need to study with youHave everything you need to study with you
before you sit down so you don’t waste timebefore you sit down so you don’t waste time
looking for thingslooking for things

7. The Value of a StudyThe Value of a Study
ScheduleSchedule
 It will not be possible to allocate yourIt will not be possible to allocate your
time effectively if you don’t have atime effectively if you don’t have a
schedule to keep you focused andschedule to keep you focused and
realistic about what you need torealistic about what you need to
accomplishaccomplish
 The time taken to create theThe time taken to create the
schedule is well worth it – it will saveschedule is well worth it – it will save
you much time that could have beenyou much time that could have been
lost to disorganization, stress, andlost to disorganization, stress, and
poor planningpoor planning

8. The Keys to Effective ExamThe Keys to Effective Exam
Study SchedulingStudy Scheduling
 Obtain an exam outline for each of your coursesObtain an exam outline for each of your courses
including what material will be covered, the lengthincluding what material will be covered, the length
of, and format of the examof, and format of the exam
 Complete all of the preparation that will be requiredComplete all of the preparation that will be required
for you to study effectively BEFORE you sit downfor you to study effectively BEFORE you sit down
and actually study (i.e. complete missingand actually study (i.e. complete missing
homework, correct tests, organize notes in orderhomework, correct tests, organize notes in order
etc.)etc.)
 Realistically plan for the amount of time that youRealistically plan for the amount of time that you
think will be required to review the material for thethink will be required to review the material for the
course at least twice…and then double that amountcourse at least twice…and then double that amount
of timeof time
 Decide which previous commitments will need to goDecide which previous commitments will need to go
“on hold” while you are studying (i.e. reducing shifts“on hold” while you are studying (i.e. reducing shifts
at work, no baby-sitting etc.)at work, no baby-sitting etc.)

9. The Keys continued…The Keys continued…
 Make every hour count in your schedule –Make every hour count in your schedule –
time at lunch, before school, after schooltime at lunch, before school, after school
 Begin to study for each exam AT least aBegin to study for each exam AT least a
week before it will take place to have plentyweek before it will take place to have plenty
of time to ask questions, review etc.of time to ask questions, review etc.
 Give yourself reasonable breaks (15-30Give yourself reasonable breaks (15-30
min) and try to maintain as “normal” amin) and try to maintain as “normal” a
schedule as possible in terms of sleepschedule as possible in terms of sleep
time, eating time etc.time, eating time etc.

10. Proven Study StrategiesProven Study Strategies
 SQ3RSQ3R
 SurveySurvey – get the best overall picture of what– get the best overall picture of what
you’re going to study before you do ityou’re going to study before you do it
 QuestionQuestion – ask questions to reinforce your own– ask questions to reinforce your own
learninglearning
 ReadRead – actively read over the material and be– actively read over the material and be
alert to main ideas, bolded terms, and keyalert to main ideas, bolded terms, and key
understandings and detailsunderstandings and details
 ReciteRecite – recalling and then orally or through– recalling and then orally or through
writing communicating the information – makewriting communicating the information – make
connectionsconnections
 ReviewReview – re-reading, summarizing key points,– re-reading, summarizing key points,
testing yourself, asking final questionstesting yourself, asking final questions

11. Proven Study StrategiesProven Study Strategies
continued…continued…
 Getting OrganizedGetting Organized
 Putting time into organizing notes and other papers for the coursePutting time into organizing notes and other papers for the course
 Reading with PurposeReading with Purpose
 Not glossing over reading material but actively searching forNot glossing over reading material but actively searching for
important ideas and thinking about them while you readimportant ideas and thinking about them while you read
 Getting the Main IdeasGetting the Main Ideas
 Questioning yourself about the main “points” from the notes,Questioning yourself about the main “points” from the notes,
assignments, or chapters you are reviewingassignments, or chapters you are reviewing
 Extracting Important DetailsExtracting Important Details
 Considering key information that support the main ideas, and thus,Considering key information that support the main ideas, and thus,
give them more meaninggive them more meaning
 Taking NotesTaking Notes
 Bolding, underlining, and categorizing information that you are studyBolding, underlining, and categorizing information that you are study
to give it more meaningto give it more meaning
 Outlining Textbooks/ Novels/ Supporting MaterialsOutlining Textbooks/ Novels/ Supporting Materials
 Making notes on key main ideas, supporting details, and connectionsMaking notes on key main ideas, supporting details, and connections
between concepts from print sourcesbetween concepts from print sources

12. Memorization StrategiesMemorization Strategies
 Some material for your courses will simplySome material for your courses will simply
require that you memorize the information.require that you memorize the information.
This comes easy to some people, but notThis comes easy to some people, but not
all. Here are some strategies that you canall. Here are some strategies that you can
try:try:
 AcronymAcronym: ie. PMAT for phases of mitosis: ie. PMAT for phases of mitosis
((PProphase,rophase, MMetaphase,etaphase, AAnaphase,naphase, TTelophase)elophase)
 AcrosticAcrostic: i.e.: i.e. PPleaselease EExcusexcuse MMyy DDearear AAuntunt
SSally stands for the order of operations in mathally stands for the order of operations in math
(Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication,(Parentheses, Exponents, Multiplication,
Division, Addition, Subtraction)Division, Addition, Subtraction)

13. Memorization StrategiesMemorization Strategies
continued…continued…
 Rhyme KeysRhyme Keys: memorize key words that can be: memorize key words that can be
associated with numbers, example- bun = one, two =associated with numbers, example- bun = one, two =
shoe, three = tree etc. Then come up with visuals toshoe, three = tree etc. Then come up with visuals to
remember a list, ie. Cheese on a bun, a cow with shoesremember a list, ie. Cheese on a bun, a cow with shoes
on etc.)on etc.)
 Method of LociMethod of Loci: imagining a list of items in a location: imagining a list of items in a location
you are familiar with and the events that are taking placeyou are familiar with and the events that are taking place
 Image-Name TechniqueImage-Name Technique: invent a relationship between: invent a relationship between
the name of something and one of it’s physical traits (i.e.the name of something and one of it’s physical traits (i.e.
curly-haired Shirley Temple)curly-haired Shirley Temple)
 ChainingChaining: creating a story where each word or idea you: creating a story where each word or idea you
have to remember cues the next idea you have to recall –have to remember cues the next idea you have to recall –
i.e. a story where a character in a Shakespeare playi.e. a story where a character in a Shakespeare play
bumps into four other characters as he goes for a walkbumps into four other characters as he goes for a walk

14. The Problem withThe Problem with
ConcentrationConcentration
 At times when you may beAt times when you may be
trying to study for exams…trying to study for exams…
 Your mind may wander from oneYour mind may wander from one
thing to anotherthing to another
 Your worries may distract youYour worries may distract you
 Outside distractions may take youOutside distractions may take you
away from your studies before youaway from your studies before you
know itknow it
 You may find the material boring,You may find the material boring,
difficult, and/or not interestingdifficult, and/or not interesting

15. Concentration StrategiesConcentration Strategies
 Here are some strategies studentsHere are some strategies students
can use to focus during studycan use to focus during study
timetime::
 Study in a set place that is naturally freeStudy in a set place that is naturally free
of distractionsof distractions
 When your mind wanders, tell yourself,When your mind wanders, tell yourself,
“now is when I must study”“now is when I must study”
 Stick to a routine, realistic, and effectiveStick to a routine, realistic, and effective
study schedulestudy schedule
 Focus on your goals with the materialFocus on your goals with the material
you are studying, each and every timeyou are studying, each and every time

16. Concentration StrategiesConcentration Strategies
continued…continued…
 Change your study topics every 1-2 hoursChange your study topics every 1-2 hours
to keep things interestingto keep things interesting
 Vary your study activities – don’t try andVary your study activities – don’t try and
study in the same way for more than anstudy in the same way for more than an
hour or sohour or so
 Take regular scheduled breaks and enjoyTake regular scheduled breaks and enjoy
them!them!
 Give yourself rewards for even smallGive yourself rewards for even small
achievements with your studyingachievements with your studying

17. Student Study StrategiesStudent Study Strategies
that DON’T workthat DON’T work
 Reading information out loud without writing it downReading information out loud without writing it down
 Glossing over notes without “proving” you know itGlossing over notes without “proving” you know it
(by teaching someone else, by writing it down from(by teaching someone else, by writing it down from
memory etc.)memory etc.)
 Highlighting texts or novelsHighlighting texts or novels
 Reviewing the material only one timeReviewing the material only one time
 Studying with someone else – unless you areStudying with someone else – unless you are
equally committed and focusedequally committed and focused
 Staying up really late or pulling an all-nighterStaying up really late or pulling an all-nighter

18. Types of Exams: TheTypes of Exams: The
Objective ExamObjective Exam
 Here are some helpful tips whenHere are some helpful tips when
writing an objective exam:writing an objective exam:
 Survey the entire exam first to see whatSurvey the entire exam first to see what
kinds of questions are being asked, lengthkinds of questions are being asked, length
etc.etc.
 Quickly budget for how much time you’llQuickly budget for how much time you’ll
spend on each questionspend on each question
 Read over each question carefullyRead over each question carefully
 Answer easy questions first to save timeAnswer easy questions first to save time
and build confidenceand build confidence
 Pick out key words in the questions toPick out key words in the questions to
ensure you don’t misunderstandensure you don’t misunderstand

19. The Objective ExamThe Objective Exam
continued…continued…
 Circle any questions you have difficultyCircle any questions you have difficulty
with so you can go back to them at thewith so you can go back to them at the
end of the examend of the exam
 For multiple choice, read each optionFor multiple choice, read each option
separately and determine whether eachseparately and determine whether each
statement is true or false – GUESS IFstatement is true or false – GUESS IF
YOU DON”T KNOW!YOU DON”T KNOW!
 Leave yourself at least 15 minutes atLeave yourself at least 15 minutes at
the end of the exam to review yourthe end of the exam to review your
answers and ensure you didn’t makeanswers and ensure you didn’t make
any silly mistakesany silly mistakes

20. Types of Exams: The EssayTypes of Exams: The Essay
ExamExam
 Here are some helpful tips when writingHere are some helpful tips when writing
an essay exam:an essay exam:
 Do any initial preparation the teacher allows forDo any initial preparation the teacher allows for
(i.e. novel review, outlining different topics)(i.e. novel review, outlining different topics)
 Read over the entire exam firstRead over the entire exam first
 Quickly budget for the amount of time you’ll beQuickly budget for the amount of time you’ll be
able to spend on each questionable to spend on each question
 Number questions exactly to match the questionNumber questions exactly to match the question
numbersnumbers
 Outline your answer to the question before youOutline your answer to the question before you
begin writingbegin writing

21. The Essay ExamThe Essay Exam
continued…continued…
 Pay attention to key words that indicatePay attention to key words that indicate
what you are being asked to dowhat you are being asked to do
 Start with an intro and end with aStart with an intro and end with a
conclusion for each questionconclusion for each question
 Answer questions directly – don’t beatAnswer questions directly – don’t beat
around the busharound the bush
 Leave time at the end to check forLeave time at the end to check for
spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes,spelling mistakes, grammar mistakes,
clarity of ideas etc.clarity of ideas etc.

22. Coping with Exam AnxietyCoping with Exam Anxiety
 Exam anxiety can be viewed inExam anxiety can be viewed in
two different ways:two different ways:
 Poor coping with the inevitablePoor coping with the inevitable
stress of an exam BEFORE itstress of an exam BEFORE it
takes placetakes place
OROR
 A strong emotional reaction of fearA strong emotional reaction of fear
that interferes with thinking clearlythat interferes with thinking clearly
DURING the examDURING the exam

23. Exam Anxiety SymptomsExam Anxiety Symptoms
 Students who have exam anxiety often report theStudents who have exam anxiety often report the
following symptoms:following symptoms:
 Memory blocks or “blanking out” on things thatMemory blocks or “blanking out” on things that
you have studiedyou have studied
 Fear of failing before the exam is even writtenFear of failing before the exam is even written
 Physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate,Physical symptoms such as rapid heart rate,
shortness of breath, sweating etc.shortness of breath, sweating etc.
 Lower reading comprehensionLower reading comprehension
 Poor attention and inability to concentratePoor attention and inability to concentrate
 The key to dealing effectively with exam anxiety isThe key to dealing effectively with exam anxiety is
to work on what you have control over (how youto work on what you have control over (how you
study, what you study etc.) and not worry aboutstudy, what you study etc.) and not worry about
what you can’t control (kinds of questions, howwhat you can’t control (kinds of questions, how
other students perform etc.)other students perform etc.)

24. Tips for Coping with ExamTips for Coping with Exam
AnxietyAnxiety
 Be Prepared EarlyBe Prepared Early
 Set up a study schedule at least 2 weeks beforeSet up a study schedule at least 2 weeks before
your examyour exam
 Sleep WellSleep Well
 Maintaining a regular sleep schedule helpsMaintaining a regular sleep schedule helps
reduce stress and increase performancereduce stress and increase performance
 Keep the same caffeine and sugar intakeKeep the same caffeine and sugar intake
 Greatly increasing either of these substancesGreatly increasing either of these substances
can actually impair brain functioning by throwingcan actually impair brain functioning by throwing
off your body’s metabolismoff your body’s metabolism
 Learn relaxed breathingLearn relaxed breathing
 When you get stressed, taking some slow,When you get stressed, taking some slow,
relaxed breaths can help you think clearly againrelaxed breaths can help you think clearly again

25. Tips for Coping with ExamTips for Coping with Exam
Anxiety continued…Anxiety continued…
 Stop studying at least 1-2 hours before bedtime theStop studying at least 1-2 hours before bedtime the
night beforenight before
 Studying right up until the last minute increases yourStudying right up until the last minute increases your
anxiety and will impair your ability to sleepanxiety and will impair your ability to sleep
 Review main themesReview main themes
 Go over main ideas or concepts in the material toGo over main ideas or concepts in the material to
reinforce that you do understand the “big picture”reinforce that you do understand the “big picture”
 Have a plan before the examHave a plan before the exam
 As part of your studying, think about how you willAs part of your studying, think about how you will
approach the exam and what you will do when youapproach the exam and what you will do when you
run into troublerun into trouble
 Aim to do your bestAim to do your best
 Recognize and turn off your negative self-dialogue –Recognize and turn off your negative self-dialogue –
focus on the task at hand and simply aim to do yourfocus on the task at hand and simply aim to do your
best.best.

26. The Day of The Exam…The Day of The Exam…
 Wake up at a reasonable time so you can get readyWake up at a reasonable time so you can get ready
at a leisurely pace and have breakfastat a leisurely pace and have breakfast
 Carry your notebook to the exam but don’t open it –Carry your notebook to the exam but don’t open it –
will have it there if you absolutely need itwill have it there if you absolutely need it
 Stay away from other stressed-out students whoStay away from other stressed-out students who
may get you worried before the exammay get you worried before the exam
 Admit to yourself that you will not know all of theAdmit to yourself that you will not know all of the
answers on the exam…and that’s okay!answers on the exam…and that’s okay!
 Try the “memory dump” strategyTry the “memory dump” strategy
 Write down everything you can think of on a piece ofWrite down everything you can think of on a piece of
scrap paper after the exam has begun…and thenscrap paper after the exam has begun…and then
start writing the examstart writing the exam

27. In Summary…In Summary…
 Studying is an important component ofStudying is an important component of
being prepared for your final examsbeing prepared for your final exams
 Any sort of studying is inherently stressful,Any sort of studying is inherently stressful,
but there are ways to manage it to reducebut there are ways to manage it to reduce
the stressthe stress
 Your approach to studying will varyYour approach to studying will vary
depending on the subject matter you’redepending on the subject matter you’re
studying (see subject-specific suggestionsstudying (see subject-specific suggestions
in your package)in your package)
 The keys to effective studying are all aboutThe keys to effective studying are all about
planning – it’s a good idea to start thatplanning – it’s a good idea to start that
process NOW!process NOW!
 Good luck on your final exams!Good luck on your final exams!