Page 235 - Keys To Community College Success

Prepare Physically

Most tests ask you to work at your best under pressure, so try to get a good night’s
sleep before the exam. Sleep improves your ability to remember what you studied
before you went to bed. By contrast, research has shown that sleep deprivation, which
is rampant among college students, results in lower levels of recall, impaired contextual
memory (you might remember a fact but can’t recall how it connects to other informa-
tion), and a decrease in cognitive performance. Taking a test while sleep deprived can
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be compared to driving drunk; although it may not endanger your life, it involves a
similar level of impairment and is likely to bring unwanted consequences.
Eating a light, well-balanced meal that is high in protein (eggs, milk, yogurt, meat
and fish, nuts, and peanut butter) will keep you full longer than carbohydrates (breads,
candy, and pastries). When time is short, don’t skip breakfast—grab a quick meal such
as a few spoonfuls of peanut butter, a banana, or a high-protein energy bar.
Make the Most of Last-Minute Cramming

Cramming—studying intensively and around the clock right before an exam—often
results in information going into your head and popping right back out when the exam
is over. If learning is your goal, cramming will not help you reach it. The reality, how-
ever, is that you are likely to cram for tests, especially midterms and finals, from time to
time in your college career. You may also cram if anxiety leads you to avoid studying.
Use these hints to make the most of your time:

■ Focus on crucial concepts. Summarize the most important points and try to resist
reviewing notes or texts page by page.
■ Create a last-minute study sheet to review right before the test. Write down key
facts, definitions, and formulas on a single sheet of paper or on flash cards.
■ Arrive early. Review your study aids until you are asked to clear your desk.

After your exam, step back and evaluate your performance. Did cramming help, or
did it load your mind with disconnected details? Did it increase or decrease anxiety at
test time? If you find that in a few days you remember very little, know that this will
work against you in advanced courses and careers that build on this knowledge. Plan
to start studying earlier next time.
Prepare for Final Exams

Studying for final exams, which usually take place the last week of the term, is a major Test Taking
commitment that requires careful time management. Your college may schedule study
days (also called a “reading period”) between the end of classes and the beginning of
finals. Lasting from a day or two to a couple of weeks, these days give you time to pre-
pare for exams and finish papers. As tempting as it may be to blow off work for a por-
tion of your reading period, try to take advantage of this precious study time. With
classes no longer in your calendar, you have that much more time to work and prepare,
and you will benefit from the extra effort.
Plan out your reading period at least a week before it starts, beginning with a look
at your final exam schedule. Note exactly when each final takes place, and plan several
study sessions in the days before each final exam time, setting aside blocks of time
assigned to specific subject areas. If you have a day when you are taking more than one
final, make sure you factor that into your study plan for the days leading up to it. If you
have family responsibilities, let children and other family members know how your
schedule will change during reading period and finals, and try to arrange for extra
child care or other support ahead of time.
End-of-year studying requires flexibility. Libraries are often packed, and students
may need to find alternative locations. Consider outdoor settings (if weather permits),
smaller libraries (many departments have their own libraries), and empty classrooms.
Set up times and places that will provide the atmosphere you need. 2

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