PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Studying for an exam can feel super stressful, especially if you’ve left it until the last minute. But there’s a way to avoid all of that anxiety. Get in the habit of going over your materials regularly and creating a study system that works for you. Keep reading for lots of good tips that can help you confidently ace those tests without cramming!

1

Make a study schedule.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Before you have a daily timetable, it would be great to set up a weekly calendar.[1] Take a look at the syllabus and jot down dates of big tests like the mid-term and the final. In your planner, note that you should start preparing at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time. Make plans to meet with your study group and set aside time for extra study sessions during these weeks.[2]
    • If you plan for these sessions in advance, it won’t feel so stressful. You’ll still need to put in extra work, but you’ll be mentally prepared for it.
    • Plan your study sessions at times that work best for you. For example, if you’re a morning person, review your notes and quiz yourself bright and early. If you focus better in the evenings, study after dinner.[3]
  2. Advertisement
2

Study a little bit each day.

PDF download Download Article
3

Space out your study sessions.

PDF download Download Article
  1. You might feel like you'll remember that material better if you've gone over it repeatedly in the days leading up to an exam, but that can actually be counterproductive. Research shows that spacing out your study sessions can help you better retain the information.[5]
    • This can also help you from feeling lots of nerves leading up to your test since you will have given yourself time to review everything.
  2. Advertisement
6

Set up a comfy study space.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Comfort and the ability to focus are key to a good study space. If you’re going to study at home, pick an area of the house where you won’t be interrupted by others.[8] This might be your bedroom or the kitchen table when no one else is around. Make sure you have a cozy chair or spot on the floor where you can settle in for a while.[9]
    • If outside noises distract you, get a pair of good headphones. You can use them to play your own tunes or just to cancel out other sounds.
    • You might also want to study outside of the house. A friendly coffee shop or the library are great options for study sessions.
7

Turn off social media and other distractions.

PDF download Download Article
  1. While it’s always tempting to check in with your friends, social media can be really distracting when you’re trying to retain information. If you use your laptop to study, log off of all social media sites. It’s okay to keep your phone nearby but turn off your social media notifications while you're hitting the books. [10]
    • It’s cool to take breaks while you study, but use them to stretch your legs or eat a snack. Try to stay off social media during your short breaks because you don’t want to accidentally go down a rabbit hole!
    • Don't watch TV or try to chat with friends via text while you study. If you need some background noise, turn on some music that won't distract you.
  2. Advertisement
8

Find some study buddies.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Social learning can make learning feel more like having a little bit of fun and help you stay on track. Start a study group with some other students in the class and make a plan to meet up regularly. That way you won’t have to worry about cramming before the exam. [11]
    • During your sessions you can share notes, quiz each other, and help each other go over the material.
    • Social learning is great because it allows you to share ideas and information.
    • Plan to meet with your study group about once a week for an hour or two.
9

Take good notes.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Taking notes helps you remember more and they're a great resource. You can take handwritten notes or type them out. Just make sure you can read them later! Great notes are also a solid resource when it's time to prep for a test. If your teacher took the time to say it and it sounded important enough to write down, chances are it's going to be on the next test.[Image:Study for a Test Without Cramming Step 9 Version 2.jpg|center]]
    • Don’t try to write down every word the teacher says or rewrite every word from the book. Concentrate on writing down key terms and themes.
    • Write down any questions that come to mind as you're taking notes. That way, you can look up the answers later.
  2. Advertisement
10

Test yourself on the material.

PDF download Download Article
  1. Practice tests that are in the same format as the actual test are the best options. If your teacher doesn't provide practice tests, check your textbook for practice questions (they're usually at the end of each chapter). If you have to, try creating your own practice tests. For example, if you know the test will be multiple-choice, use your textbook and class notes to write up several multiple-choice questions.
    • This is a great strategy to try the week of the test.[12]
    • This is a great activity for a study group, but you can do it on your own, too.
    • Set a timer to practice taking the test in the amount of time you’ll have on exam day.
    EXPERT TIP
    Joseph Meyer

    Joseph Meyer

    Math Teacher
    Joseph Meyer is a High School Math Teacher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is an educator at City Charter High School, where he has been teaching for over 7 years. Joseph is also the founder of Sandbox Math, an online learning community dedicated to helping students succeed in Algebra. His site is set apart by its focus on fostering genuine comprehension through step-by-step understanding (instead of just getting the correct final answer), enabling learners to identify and overcome misunderstandings and confidently take on any test they face. He received his MA in Physics from Case Western Reserve University and his BA in Physics from Baldwin Wallace University.
    Joseph Meyer
    Joseph Meyer
    Math Teacher

    Become an active learner. Learn from your mistakes in order to confidently tackle new lessons. Before jumping into advanced topics, make sure your skills in basic concepts are up to scratch. Utilize online resources and interactive exercises that provide instant feedback to solidify your understanding.

11

Reward yourself for studying.

PDF download Download Article
  1. [13] This is another way to help yourself stick to the habit of studying regularly instead of trying to cram. Maybe you could give yourself a treat at the end of the week if you’ve managed to review your notes every day. Or you could reward yourself if you started studying for a test at least 2 weeks in advance.[14]
    • A good treat might be going out for ice cream or treating yourself to a manicure.
  2. Advertisement

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I prepare for a test over a long period of time?
    Ted Coopersmith, MBA
    Ted Coopersmith, MBA
    Academic Tutor
    Ted Coopersmith is an Academic Tutor for Manhattan Elite Prep, a test prep and academic tutoring company based in New York City. In addition to general academic advising, Ted has expertise in preparing for the ACT, SAT, SSAT, and ASVAB tests. He also has over 30 years of financial controller advising and consulting experience. He holds a BA from the City University of New York (CUNY) and an MBA from Pace University.
    Ted Coopersmith, MBA
    Academic Tutor
    Expert Answer
    Try to attend every class, and stay up-to-date with assignments given during the semester. Also, try to review your notes right after class, so the information stays fresh in your mind. Unfortunately, the memory degrades after a relatively short time.
  • Question
    What should I do if I always get bad grades?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    You should try to reorganize your studying time and find a method that suits you well. Try to make flash cards and then revise as often as you can. Also start preparing as early as possible.
  • Question
    I have a Chemistry test tomorrow. I have already studied for five days, three hours each. I have already memorize all the concepts. Can I aim for a perfect score?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, and you can use your performance on this test to gauge how much to study for the next one.
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

  • Try to turn all of these ideas into habits. They will help you through all of your classes.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask your professor for help if you don’t understand the material. Their tips can be really helpful for helping you study.
  • Ask your family members or roommates to be respectful of your space when you’re trying to study.
Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Advertisement

About This Article

Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.
Co-authored by:
Educational Consultant
This article was co-authored by Alexander Ruiz, M.Ed.. Alexander Ruiz is an Educational Consultant and the Educational Director of Link Educational Institute, a tutoring business based in Claremont, California that provides customizable educational plans, subject and test prep tutoring, and college application consulting. With over a decade and a half of experience in the education industry, Alexander coaches students to increase their self-awareness and emotional intelligence while achieving skills and the goal of achieving skills and higher education. He holds a BA in Psychology from Florida International University and an MA in Education from Georgia Southern University. This article has been viewed 156,118 times.
11 votes - 76%
Co-authors: 26
Updated: April 20, 2024
Views: 156,118
Categories: Test Preparation
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 156,118 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Joshua C

    Joshua C

    Jul 11, 2021

    "I learnt a lot of things here and thank you very much."
Share your story

Did this article help you?

Advertisement