How To Study For Exams and Other Tests

This is something we all need to know and since I'm pretty good at it. I'll share some of my secrets with you, along with the tips of some of my friends.

• Pay attention in Class

This is my biggest tip, because this always gets me through class and get me better marks. The key is to understand what the teacher is saying and then remember it later. If it's interesting, tell someone about. Telling people what you know will not only help you remember it, but it will also make you seem smarter. A double bonus! So ask the teacher if you don't understand.

• Put on your Anti-Procrastination Pants

This is a biggy. I don't always wear my Anti-Procrastination pants and therefore I don't always do well. Just don't put anything off for later, because if you do, I can promise you, you'll never get to the studying. It just works that way. I have fallen prey to this beast a lot, in fact, I'm procrastinating right now. So, please don't do what I do, do what I say.

• Sum that stuff up!

This is how all human beings are supposed to study. Take your book, take some paper and write down only the key facts, phrases and whatever your teacher told you to study. I usually read the passage, decide what to write down and then I look through that to see if I can make it shorter and I usually can. This it where you grab your trusty highlighter and start highlighting any and all key words that will make it easier to remember.

• Plan A Schedule

Make yourself a roster by which you will study, like a studying schedule. This is apparently what the smart kids do. Me? I don't work according to a schedule. I sum up my work a few days before the test and then I go through everything the night before. You're already studying when you sum the work up and this way, everything is still fresh in your mind when they put that paper down in front of you.

• Practice Makes Perfect

This is one of those cases where I preach, but don't practice. This especially comes into play when studying Math and anyone who knows me, will know that I loathe Math. You have to practice. Make sure you understand the basic concept and know your formulas, then apply it to the equations. Don't be me in this scenario. Don't go home and lounge around. If you have the opportunity to go to an extra class, GO! Trust me, it will help.

• Don't Be Cocky

I have fallen many a times because of this. It's always good to be confident, but it's never good to be stupid. Don't go saying that you're going to ace the test if you haven't even opened a book. 1) You are going to fail and 2) everyone is going to laugh at you because you were cocky. So shut your mouth, open that book and start absorbing the knowledge. If or when you pass the test, then you can brag a little, but not too much. Not many people like a bragger.

And that's it for the study tips. Not all of these are always effective. People differ and so do their studying styles. So go forth and be smart!