1. How to Successfully Prepare for Your EXAMS

2. Five steps to exam success
Step One - Believe in Yourself
Step Two - Get Organized
Step Three – Time Management
Step Four - Study Smart
Step Five - Exam Taking Strategies

3. Step One - Believe in Yourself
Have a positive mindset
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
Set realistic goals. Know your current marks

4. Step Two – Get Organized
A. Notes
Keep course notes together and separate from other courses
Put notes in chronological order
Ensure you have all resources
(e.g., textbook, calculator, tests etc.)
Have at least 1 classmate’s contact information
B. Exam Schedule
Be sure to find the following information ahead of time and record in your phone, in a visible place in your room
Course Code:________ Section: __
Exam Date: ________ Time: ____ Room: ___

5. Step Three - Time management
Create a STUDY SCHEDULE (and avoid cramming)
Plan:
Number of days prior to each exam you should begin studying
Amount of time each day to study for each exam
What subject you will study at specific times
Topics to be covered
Study breaks

6. Step Four - Study Smart Use a COMBINATION of STUDY METHODS Examples:
Discuss aloud
Flash cards
Charts
Answer questions (from previous assignments, tests, or textbook)
Simulate a test/environment in your room
Have someone test your knowledge
Create a practice exam that will take approximately the length of your scheduled exam
Review the material a few times using different methods
DO NOT just read over your notes

7. Step Four - Study Smart How to Study for Exams
Try to know the exam’s topics and format (multiple choice questions, short answers, problem solving, etc.
Apply different studying methods for each subject
Organize the material needed to be studied into time blocks (as per your schedule)
Take your planned breaks (as per your schedule)
If you have a textbook, review bold terms
If you have a review sheet, complete it
Write down any names, dates, formulas, definitions or facts that need to be memorized on an index card. Continue reviewing the information until the exam
Pay close attention during EXAM REVIEW

8. Before an EXAM!!
Eat well and be well rested. Do NOT watch TV or play computer games before going to bed prior to the exam.
LAST minute studying and cramming does not HELP. Make sure that you get enough SLEEP!

9. STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
Pack things you need for your exam the night before
Show up early to your exam (10 minutes)
Go to the washroom before your exam starts
Bring only the things you need with you to your exam
Write facts, formulas at the top of the exam A.S.A.P.
Read over the exam and develop a plan
(E.g., Determine the amount of time you need to spend on each section of the exam and start with the questions you know)
Answers the questions you know first
Return to the questions you are not sure of
Take the time to check your answers before you finish
Write your name on the top of each page

10. STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
True and False Questions
Read the statement carefully
For a statement to be true, every part of it must be true
Be cautious of the words ALWAYS and NEVER in a statement!
'Absolutes' are often incorrect answers
(E.g., never, always, every, etc.)

11. Multiple Choice Questions
STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
Multiple Choice Questions
Hide the answers and answer the question without looking at any of the options. Then look for your answer
Read the STEM of the question with each of the possible answers
If you are not sure of an answer, eliminate the choices you know are incorrect by crossing them out, and then make an educated guess
'Absolutes' are often incorrect answers
(E.g., never, always, every, etc.)

12. STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
Essay Questions
Start with the question you know most about
First brainstorm, then organize information
Be neat and write in complete sentences
Paragraph One - state the question and tell the reader what they can expect to learn from the essay
Middle Paragraphs - present examples, details, evidence, and facts to support the points you are making
Final Paragraph - restate your position along with a quick summary

13. STEP FIVE - EXAM TAKING STRATEGIES
Short Answers Questions:
Keep your answer simple and to the point. Do not re-state the question
Be neat and write in complete sentences
Use the marks allotted as a guide to how many valid points you need to include in your answer

14. Personal Tips
What works for me
Questions?