1) Before studying:

• Determine what will be on the exam. Look at your syllabus/ course outline.
• Take notes on both your readings and lectures (take a look at “notetaking”
• Condense your notes into a simplified study sheet
• Find practice problems. Use your textbook, previous versions of the textbook, past quizzes, past exams

2) While studying:

• Use your condensed notes to study
• Chunk your study sessions (see time management)
• Use flash cards (see memory and concentration)

3) Exam day: Use D.E.T.E.R.

• Directions: Read directions carefully. Ask for clarification
• Examine: Look at the entire test
• Time: Decide how much time you want to spend on each item, more marks = more time (this could be done before the exam if you know the format)
• Easiest: Answer easiest questions first
• Review: Make sure you completed all the questions

4) After the exam 

• Reflect on the exam experience
• Find out the correct answers because they may come up again

For more tips, watch our videos