EXAM PREPARATION: A SELF-CHECK

 

 

Read the following questions and answer “yes” or “no” according to how you currently prepare for exams.  Almost no one can honestly answer “yes” to all of these.  However, by marking your answers down on paper, you will be taking the first step toward changing your test preparation strategies.

 

1.       Do you begin planning and studying for exams from the first week of the semester?

YES

NO

 

2.       Do you review all readings and lecture notes on a daily and weekly basis?

YES

NO

 

3.       Do you analyze homework, quizzes, and exams from throughout the semester for pattern and error?

YES

NO

 

4.       Do you obtain copies of previous semesters’ exams to use as study guides?

YES

NO

 

5.       Do you get normal amounts of food, sleep, and exercise before exams to help reduce stress?

YES

NO

 

6.       Do you identify possible exam questions while reading and taking notes?

YES

NO

 

7.       Do you study with others?

YES

NO

 

8.       Do you use your instructors’ office hours to ask questions about material you don't understand?

YES

NO

 

9.       Do you develop a time budget strategy before each exam to ensure that you complete the exam?

YES

NO

 

10.    Do you make a calendar or schedule of what, how, and when you need to review for each course?

YES

NO

 

11.    Do you use study strategies appropriate to type of exam (e.g., flashcards to memorize for recall tests)?

YES

NO

 

12.    Do you use small portions of time for review?

YES

NO

 

13.    Do you attend all classes and effective note-taking strategies?

YES

NO