Concentration and Memory

• As you read, say the words aloud. Talk quietly to yourself, saying things like, "What is the main idea? Let me write that down." The secret to this technique is that when you are calmly "talking yourself through" an assignment, you are preventing panicky thoughts like "I'll never get through all of this!"
• Break big chunks of material into smaller parts. When memorizing, don't try to learn more than three or four new pieces of information at a time. Take breaks in your memorizing; otherwise, you'll remember the first two things, the last two things, and forget the material in the middle.
• Outline complex ideas in your own words, outlining no more than three complex ideas per page. Leave plenty of blank space on the page between these three ideas. Practice closing your eyes and visualizing the material. This process will help you "locate and read" material in your memory during the test.
  
  

Before an Exam

• Ask the instructor what the format of the test will be: how many multiple choice, how many essays, etc.
• Review course outline, notes, and textbook. Summarize key information on several sheets of paper, arranging material in small groups or lists. Make these summary sheets easy to read and recall by the use of spacing and/or colored highlights.
• Get enough sleep and eat light, healthy meals on the day of the exam. If you skip sleep or food, your thinking will be confused and your concentration impaired.
  
  

During an Exam

• Take a deep breath. Tell yourself, "What's most important now is that I stay calm and read each question carefully."
• Quickly jot down formulas, lists, and things that you've memorized to use during the test but are afraid you might forget.
• Read directions and questions aloud under your breath (as described in the concentration and memory section).
• Don't select the first multiple-choice item that sounds right. Often, there are several choices that are partially correct and another (the correct answer) that provides a more complete answer.
• Watch out for items that seem to come from the text or lectures but have been changed to be negative. For example... "three factors found to be unimportant in the development of the American West were...." Underline key words like: never, not, always, usually.
• If you get stuck, eliminate the answers you know are wrong, select one of the remaining answers, make a mark next to the item and move on.
• Don't leave any items blank. Narrow things down and guess if you must.
• It's better to go through a test once, carefully, than to rush through making errors in reading, just so you can "go over it again" making the same reading errors.
  
  

Essay Exams

• Be sure you do what is asked: define, list, compare and contrast.
• Answer as directly and concisely as possible.
• Outline quickly the important facts and ideas you want to include in your answer.
• Write. First sentences explain what your main points are. Following sentences provide specific examples or details to support your main points. Conclusion shows how your body text supported your opening statements.
• If you run out of time, provide an outline rather than writing in full sentences.
• Be sure your handwriting is legible.
  
  

Remember

• Praise and encourage yourself.
• Pay attention to deadlines.
• Try to study in the library before going home. This reduces distractions and when you do go home you truly can relax.
• Start studying early, study for short periods (50 minutes) and give yourself 3-5 minute breaks.
• Try not to study for more than 2-3 hours at a stretch.
• Ask for help if you need it.
• Eat healthy foods.
• Get enough sleep.

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