Know what the exam will cover.
Know the type of exam that you will be given: Essay or Objective (T/F, Multiple Choice, Matching). If you know the type of exam, you will know how to prepare for it.
Avoid procrastination. Cramming doesn't work because the information that you "cram" remains in short-term memory storage. Most people can only retain 7 plus or minus 2 bits of information in short-term storage, less when under stress.
Utilize memory techniques to move information from short-term memory into long-term memory while you prepare for an exam. Once information is in long term memory, it is permanently stored. The best way to do this is to make information meaningful.
Make sure that there are no gaps between your and the professor's thinking.
Make sure that you have taken adequate notes during class. Mark possible exam questions in each day's notes along with the answers.
Have the proper attitude.
Use exam preparation strategies, tools and techniques.
Don't be afraid to ask the professor or teacher assistant questions. Don't wait until its too late.
Start to prepare for the examination early. A half-hour review each day is more effective than five hours at once. You will need to plan these sessions and set reasonable goals.
Professors often have practice tests or old exams on file or in the library. This is a great way to test yourself as well as providing a guideline for what you can expect.

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