EXAM PREPARATION shouldn’t start just a few days before the exam. The best preparation involves reviewing throughout the semester and studying during the weeks leading up to the exam.
TIPS
Organize your study space—try to reduce distractions and give yourself room to spread out your books and notes.
Study multiple topics in one sitting rather than getting bogged down on a single subject. Take regular study breaks.
Set-up a study group with non-distracting friends or classmates.
Find a quiet desk, set a timer, and take a practice exam under test-like conditions. This will help you with the stress and timing of writing an exam! (Your instructor may have a practice exam you can use.)
SELF-REFLECTION
Think of some topics that you know a lot about. How did you develop this knowledge?
When has an exam left you feeling unprepared?
What material will be covered on the exam?
What steps can you take to better prepare for exams?
Your pre-exam review should be a continuation of the course work you’ve been doing throughout the semester.
Knowing the answers to these questions will help you stay calm and focus on your exam preparation.
Will the exam test higher- or lower-level thinking?
Lower-level thinking:
Basic knowledge and comprehension (choose, define, find, identify, label, list).
Higher-level thinking:
Which material do you know well and which material do you find difficult? Spend more time on what you find difficult.
Try these two effective learning strategies!
Create exam questions to focus on the vital information and key concepts, predict incorrect responses and understand why they are wrong. Write questions that match the type of questions that will be on the exam so you can get inside your instructor's head.
Pretend you have to teach the material. This is even more effective if you can practice teaching a friend or classmate, since this will force you to remember the overall concepts as well as the details.
TOOLS & RESOURCES
Exam Preparation
Study Aides
CAMOSUN RESOURCES
If you have an emergency or need personal support after hours, please contact the Vancouver Island Crisis Line at 1-888-494-3888 or call 911.