BEFORE YOUR TEST REVIEW -- Advanced Prep

1.   Early in the course find out:

• The type of exams (e.g., essays vs. multiple choice).
• The date of the exams.
• The scope of the exams (e.g., Are you responsible for dates? Formulas? Derivations?).
• Where the exam material comes from (i.e., how much from each book and how much from the lectures).

2.   Pay special attention to:

• Things the professor says will be on the test.
• Material that is not in the book.
• Terms, diagrams, etc., that were put on the board.

3.   Schedule intermediate reviews:

• Recite from your lecture notes.
• Take notes on text and recite from these notes.
• This prevents a marathon review.
• This strengthens the memory trace.

4.   Use old tests as study aids:

• EXAMINE OLD MIDTERMS AND FINAL EXAMS FROM PREVIOUS SEMESTERS
1. They may be on file at the library or at the department office.
2. Find someone who has taken the course and ask him/her about prof's style.
3. Analyze the prof's testing style (i.e., does s/he like creativity or memorization, main points or details).
4. Use them as practice test questions.
• USE YOUR EARLIER MIDTERMS
1. ANALYZE YOUR MISTAKES.
• Did you misread the question?
• Did you fail to get something important into your notes?
2. NOTE THE GRADER'S COMMENTS.

Back to Academic Success Page