Test Studying Tips

Hey test-takers. I’m just like you, a high school student. I’ve done great so far in high school and have enjoyed quite a lot of successes, especially in tests. I created this list from my personal methods and after learning from my mistakes. You must be wondering what is different about my list compared to the ones you could find on Google. We’ll just look! Just follow this 10 step guide and you will assure great test scores.

1. Know what is on the test

• Sounds simple? It is! But some of my classmates have made the mistake about not knowing what is going to be on the test and believe me, they didn’t have the best results.

2. Make a study guide

• Too much work? It works. Nobody will ever tell you to make a study guide for a test but I have used this method on countless occasions. It gives great results.
• Make your study guides concise. Don’t make them too long yet don’t make them too short as you might miss all the information. Make it easy to understand. I usually type them up and use bullet form.
• DON’T, I repeat, don’t make study guides for small quizzes. That will take up too much time and lessen your time to actually study. Just tests and exams that are worth more in your grade.

3. Don’t be too confident.

• Even if you are a great student in that class, you enjoy the content or you know everything that the test is going to be on, still study. Overconfidence will only cause your downfall. I am a great student yet I remember I got poor scores on some tests on which I didn’t bother studying. Learn from my mistakes.

4. Read aloud

• When trying to memorize something for a test, don’t just read it over and over again. Instead try reading it out loud multiple times. This is a rather common method but as long as it gives the desired results just do it.

 

5. Write down.

• Similar to the study guide, if you are trying to memorize something, write it down on a piece of paper. Writing something down will definitely help you remember the content better. I usually use this method for short quizzes. It takes up less time.

 

6. Specific History Test Tip: Remember the timeline.

• I have done multiple history classes and realized a simple way to memorize the history. Depending on your course, divide what you have learned on a time period. For example, if doing US History, remember 1865 – CIVIL WAR followed by everything that happened in this era. This is a great method for end-of-the-year exams and AP exams.

 

7. Know your memory.

• What? I mean know how you learn best. I have a ‘photographic memory’ meaning I remember content in images in my head. Sounds weird. But everybody has a personal style of storing memories. Know how you learn best. Through pictures? Lectures? Reading? The sooner you find it; it will be easier to personalize your study style giving better results.

 

8. Time-management is necessary.

• Studying for tests takes time. If you don’t manage your time well you will fail to prepare yourself. Know your priorities and preview enough time to study. If you have multiple tests, set according time for each.
• Test on Monday? Good, you have 3 days to prepare. Make sure you manage your time well and take advantage of the extra time instead of cramming on Sunday night.
• Cramming is not an effective way to study.

9. Practice Makes Perfect.

• Following point 1, since you know what is on the test, you should know what kind of problems will show up so using your textbook/reference material practice similar problems and find strategies on how to successfully answer these questions. Doing so will prepare you to face the challenges on the test.

 

10. Study in your comfort-zone.

• Make sure you study in a place where you are comfortable.
  • Sit in a well-lit place.
  • Not too hot/cold.
  • No surrounding noise.
  • Seated comfortably. Don’t lie down; it will make you feel lazy.
  • Study in groups if you enjoy studying with more people

• Caution can make studying less efficient.
  • I enjoy listening to music to while studying. If you do too then make sure it’s not too loud to a point where it distracts you.
  • Avoid distractions.