Being a college student can be many things such as fun and exciting, but all students feel stressed about exams at some point. Preparing for tests in college can be difficult because you may not know what to expect from each professor. I find multiple-choice exams easier because the correct answer is right in front of you, all you need to do is find it. On essay-based tests, there is a chance of not understanding the question and you receiving a negative grade all because the test is open-ended. Studying smarter and more worthwhile leads to more academic success than trying to cram for a test the night before. Below are different ways of studying that can help on your next college exam.
1. Flashcards
As elementary as it may seem, flash cards are a good way of memorizing important terms and concepts. They are easy to make out of any kind of paper and add a sense of repetition to a study session. Repetition is a well-known important aspect of learning and improves memory performance. For students of the digital age, there are online versions of flashcards which can just as beneficial.
2. Practice Tests
Taking your study materials and designing your own exam is an excellent studying method. If you can understand what answers come easy for you and what content you struggle with, you will have a better idea of what you need to review a little more. Another factor of this study method is if you try and teach the concepts to another person, whether that be a roommate or a friend. If you can successfully educate someone on the subject you're learning, then you should be comfortable enough with the material to take a test.
3. Study Guide Outline
Many college professors do not give out a study guide like teachers at a high-school level do. It is up to the student what information should be a roadmap to satisfactory test results. The reason making your own study guide is helpful is it gives you a space to break down a bulk of information into simpler concepts and to learn the content more efficiently. Making a list that includes the main points and important terms are crucial when creating your own study guide.
All of these studying techniques have a productive impact on learning and show higher levels of engagement with the content. After the first exam in every class, you can gauge how well you do on a particular type of test and which way of studying is best for you. These methods all have beneficial factors that can aid in helping you earn the grade you need to get the degree you want.
