1. Preparing for Tests
Transitions Silver

2. TESTS! QUIZZES! EXAMS!
The most dreaded words in a student’s academic career.
“I always study the wrong things.”
“ I stay up late studying and then I’m too tired to remember anything for the test.”
No matter how well I know the material, I always panic during test time

3. Benefits of Test Prep Skills
Using the right techniques will allow you to:
Study the right things the right way and remember them better
Take less time to prepare for the test
Be more confident and be less likely to panic

4. Keep up with Assignments
Plan a good schedule that allows you to study each assignment
As you do your reading, summarize important points in a notebook.
Take class notes
Date the notes and keep notes for each class together
Cross-reference your class notes with reading notes
If in doubt, ask a classmate or teacher for help

5. Review Regularly Review material right after you learn it
Don’t leave reviewing until the night before the test
Make reviewing part of your daily schedule
Ask yourself questions and rehearse your answers
Repetition leads to retention!!!

6. Plan Ahead Write down the test date and material to be covered
Keep track of upcoming tests
Planner
Calendar
Phone
Review for test several days in advance
Why?
Because repetition leads to retention!

7. Identify What to Study
Use clues to help you identify what material will be on the test
Review study guides
Look over earlier tests if possible
Review any handouts or homework

8. Study Efficiently Study when you are most alert & energetic
Study in blocks of 1 hour followed by 10 minute break
Don’t cram everything in a marathon session
Minimize distraction & interruptions
Start by reviewing class & textbook notes
Makeup questions you would ask if you were the teacher
Have a study buddy once you know the material

9. Stay Calm Do you have test anxiety?
Sweaty palms
Nervousness
Irritability
Sleeplessness
Panic can prevent you from remembering what you studied

10. Stay Calm Prepare well for each test Practice test-taking skills
Make up your own possible test questions
Answer your questions
Avoid last minute review it can cause you to panic!
Practice deep breathing
Sit quietly

11. Stay Calm Review material in depth several days before test
Don’t upset regular routine by staying up all night or getting up too early
Keep to your regular schedule
If still anxious, talk to your counselor or teacher

12. Review After the Test Review tests as soon as they returned to you
Look for questions that gave you trouble
Find out correct answers to the questions you got wrong
Was it a certain type of question you got wrong?
Just because the test is over, don’t assume it’s no longer important
Understand your mistakes
Get help if you don’t understand what you did wrong