Your Test Preparation Routine

Sporatical_Distractions · Post by **Sporatical_Distractions** » 20 Feb 2006 17:51

i didn't realize until today that I go through the same studying routine everytime I have a test. I would like to hear what your routine is and maybe adapt my technique.

First off, I read the chapters when assigned and take my class notes. when the test is announced, I compile one large vocab list by hand and write the definitions. I then read all of the chapters twice through and write both concept and chapter summaries for each chapter, again by hand. Once all of this is forced into my head, I go over my class notes time and time again. It's an extremely tedious method, but it very rarely produces less than an A or B on the test.

How do you prep for tests?

carl winslow · Post by **carl winslow** » 20 Feb 2006 19:07

It really depends on what the format of the test is.
For essay tests i try to guess what the possible questions could be than write practice essays.
For multiple choice or short answer i re read the text/ class notes.
For math/science i memorize formulas and do practice problems.

Bagira · Post by **Bagira** » 20 Feb 2006 20:07

My preparation for exams is not a good example, though.

First, I tell my parents that I have an exam on such and such a day. I then prepare to study my ass off. Somewhere in the first 3 hours of the allnighter I just say 'Fuck this!' to myself and go to play some random MMORPG on my computer.

In high school, this ended up with me getting grades in the 80-100 range. In college, so far, I am in the low 90's too.

A big thing is to remember all the experiences you had in class. If you do that well, then you won't really have to take notes or study. Actually for me, it has helped more to be extremely attentive in class than to study for exams. Especially when there is more than one exam on a particular day.

Caleb · Post by **Caleb** » 06 Mar 2006 07:35

I have a pretty goofy method. I go to almost every class and am very attentive. Then when I go home that day, I go over my notes until I fully understand the concept at hand. Over the days of the semester I follow along reading in the textbook also. When it comes time for the exam all I do is skim the notes and chapters to remind myself of everything. I rarely need to cram before a test like everyone else does. Haha, around midterm and finals time I really feel like I'm doing something wrong.

sampotter · Post by **sampotter** » 06 Mar 2006 09:32

Caleb wrote:I have a pretty goofy method. I go to almost every class and am very attentive. Then when I go home that day, I go over my notes until I fully understand the concept at hand. Over the days of the semester I follow along reading in the textbook also. When it comes time for the exam all I do is skim the notes and chapters to remind myself of everything. I rarely need to cram before a test like everyone else does. Haha, around midterm and finals time I really feel like I'm doing something wrong.

Story of my schooling experience so far.