Test Taking Strategies
Develop a Study Plan
Preparing for an exam takes time and planning. Schedule time to study between classes a week or more in advance.
Work with a Team
Studying with a group of classmates is a great way to teach each other and retain information. Create a study guide together if your professor doesn't provide one. If you can't work with a group, even teaching a picture or a pet the information can help you solidify your knowledge.
Don't Pull an All-Nighter
Staying up all night does not help you retain information. Sleep is important for your brain to function better. People over the age of 18 need seven or more hours of sleep a night.
Use Free Tutoring Services
Tutoring is free for all students, both online and in person. You can drop by the Hound Hub at the GSSC and ask for the tutoring schedules. You can also set up an appointment online. If you don't see your class, you can also set up an appointment.
Use Digital Study Tools
Create flashcards or practices using Quizlet, Anki, or Shiken. Most online study applications have free account options.
Take Care of your Mental and Physical Health
Plan time in your study schedule to relax and focus on yourself. Life and college are not intended to be a competition. Before taking an exam, stay hydrated and eat a nutritious meal. If you need to talk to someone, contact Counseling Services to set up an appointment.
Avoid Passive Learning
Re-reading your notes or texts are examples of passive learning. To actively learn, try mapping out concepts, creating timelines, or teach others about what you're learning.
Information adapted from: Martin, Sabine. "10 Test Preparation Tips for your Next College Exam," U.S. News and World Report, https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/slideshows/test-preparation-tips-for-your-next-college-exam?onepage (09/07/2023)
On the Shelf at the Golden Library
Test-Taking Strategies by Judi Kesselman-Turkel; Franklynn Peterson
Call Number: eBook Online
ISBN: 9780299191948
Publication Date: 2004-03-25
Test taking is a skill apart from learning course material, a skill every student must acquire in order to survive. Test-Taking Strategies is the book for anyone who has ever dreaded an exam. Strategies for taking every kind of test are dealt with--objective tests (multiple choice, true/false, matching), essay tests, and oral exams. The authors also offer help for handling anxiety, explaining relaxation and desensitization techniques that help students control nervousness and keep it from detracting from performance. There are tips for managing time during the test, knowing when to guess, and for pulling answers out of your memory even when the question drew a blank at first glance. Essay tests and oral exams are particularly gruesome for most students, and until now there has been very little advice for handling such tests. Test-Taking Strategies includes plenty of advice for developing ideas while under pressure.
Eat That Frog! for Students by Brian Tracy; Anna Leinberger
Call Number: eBook Online
ISBN: 9781523091256
Publication Date: 2020-12-29
Adapted from Brian Tracy's international time-management bestseller, Eat That Frog!, this book will give today's stressed-out and overwhelmed students the tools for lifelong success. Like adults, students of all ages struggle with how to manage their time. Encountering the necessity of time management for the first time, high schoolers juggle classes, extracurricular activities (all but mandatory for college admissions), jobs, internships, family responsibilities, and more. College brings even more freedom and less structure, making time management even more critical. Brian Tracy's Eat That Frog! has helped millions around the world get more done in less time. Now this life-changing global bestseller has been adapted to the specific needs of students. Tracy offers readers tips, tools, and techniques for structuring time, setting goals, staying on task (even when you're not interested), dealing with stress, and developing the skills to achieve far more than you ever thought possible.
Maximize Your Memory by Ramon Campayo
Call Number: eBook Online
ISBN: 9781601631176
Publication Date: 2010-03-20
Each of us has the ability to develop and improve our minds in amazing ways. All you need is motivation, an effective method, and an expert guide. Ramon Campayo's method shows you the fastest, easiest and most effective way to: Drastically and almost immediately increase your memorization capacity and reading speed. Enhance your learning methods, study techniques, and psychological preparation. Improve your study habits and prepare for exams. Maximize Your Memory is for students who want to reach their best potential, as well as anyone else who dreams of increasing his or her mental capacity.
Note-Taking Made Easy by Judi Kesselman-Turkel; Franklynn Peterson
Call Number: eBook Online
ISBN: 9780299191542
Publication Date: 2003-09-25
As every student quickly learns, merely sitting through a class and paying attention is usually not sufficient to ensure good grades. The proper taking of good notes is essential. Note-Taking Made Easy tells why the student should take his or her own notes (rather than buying them or taping lectures), and tells exactly how to determine what is worth noting, whether during a lecture, classroom discussion, even from a book or during a meeting. The authors describe the two most successful methods of organizing notes--outlining and patterning--and provide shortcuts to really make note-taking easy, from shorthand devices to abbreviations. Special sections are devoted to taking notes from texts, fiction as well as nonfiction, and handling charts, graphs, and photos. A final chapter shows how to tie together notes from various sources.
Study with Me by Jasmine Shao; Alyssa Jagan
Call Number: eBook Online
ISBN: 9781631597787
Publication Date: 2019-10-08
Inspired by the global "study with me"/#studygram phenomenon: Study smarter, stay motivated, improve your grades--all by taking better, more effective notes! Written by Jasmine Shao, founder of popular YouTube channel and Instagram account @studyquill, and Alyssa Jagan, founder of @craftyslimecreator and author of the DIY book Ultimate Slime, Study with Me includes everything you need to set and achieve your study goals using simple-to-master bullet journaling techniques: The basics of bullet journaling, and how to adapt them to your specific studying needs and goals Methods for organizing your time and scheduling Ideas for page and spread layouts for specific topics and how to set them up Plus: Dos and don'ts, hacks, and assorted tips for beginners With Study with Me, you'll learn the note-taking and organizational skills you need to achieve success!
Test Success by Blythe Grossberg, PsyD
Call Number: eBook Online
ISBN: 9781886941724
Publication Date: 2009-04-01
Offering middle school and high school students strategies to succeed on every type of test--from multiple-choice to standardized to essay tests--this book shows students how to maximize their time and skills. With successful, real-life strategies shared by students, this guide will also help students of all levels, including those with ADD/ADHD and learning disabilities, learn study skills, strategies to handle their anxiety concerning tests, and how to have a mental edge. Teachers and parents can additionally use this book to help students perform better in school.
The Dyslexia, ADHD, and DCD-Friendly Study Skills Guide by Ann-Marie McNicholas
Call Number: eBook Online
ISBN: 9781787751774
Publication Date: 2020-01-21
This practical skills guide helps young people with who learn differently including those with dyslexia, DCD/dyspraxia and ADHD, study for their exams. Students who learn differently can often find exams challenging and can experience a good deal of anxiety around exam time, leading to exam results that may not accurately reflect their capabilities. Much exam stress arises from a lack of confidence with the ability to learn and retain information in a meaningful way. This engaging workbook is designed to help students to overcome these issues. It not only shows students how to develop a positive success attitude towards study and exams, but also aims to equip them with powerful strategies and techniques for learning and remembering. The book offers strategies for learners whose methods of learning are multisensory. When learning is active rather than passive, it happens faster, and is easier, more enjoyable and more effective. As you progress through the fun, engaging activities, so your confidence and belief in your ability to learn will increase.