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Exams & Studying

Exams are coming up for me soon, and I feel like my school does them a bit earlier than most schools. At least around here, my school does them like a month before other schools around here. we do ours before winter/Christmas break and every other school does there's mid-January. So because there's exams coming up for many of you out there, myself included. I've decided to get some tips and such on studying and exam taking.

I don't know how exams are at other schools, but each of my exams are each 70 minutes. I have exams on two different days my odd period classes are on day 1 with the exception of my 9th period, and my even period classes and 9th period is on day 2. So since, not everyone takes the same classes I'll try to divide things up into core classes and just general tips.

So first, find our when your exams are if you don't know already. Also, if you don't know how much time you'll have for each one, find that out too. Then, find out what will be covered on the exam broadly, like if it will be chapters 1-6 or something.

So let's move on specific tips for core subjects.

English

I'm assuming that most of you are in an English class if your native language is English. I can't speak for anyone who is taking English as a foreign language, sorry. These tips may not help you there. So let's get into these tips.

#1. If your exam will cover any literature, I would highly suggest looking at the Sparknotes for a book and any study guides you did during class.

For example, I read Oedipus Rex, so I'll look over the Sparknotes and the study guide. Refresh my memory on the story.

#2. Make a list of all notable characters and their characteristics. Also, write a brief summary of each work.

#3. English exams may deal with writing because it's a language exam. My exam this year has 3 in class essays for me to do. So think back over any previous essay type writing you do on tests or quizzes. Look for recurrent themes in the writing you did.

Math

I know math is a difficult topic for many people. I don't know how to particularly help you in that aspect because math comes pretty easily to me, but I can help give you tips on how to study.

#1. Look over your notes. Your notes should include example problems from class.

#2. Look at your homework and examples from class. Re-do them. You have the answers from checking your homework (or at least you should) and from doing examples.

Science

I'm just generalizing science because it's easier. You can take all different kinds of science. Earth, physical, chemistry, physics, anatomy.

#1. If you're taking a science that involves math like chemistry or physics. Do the same thing you would to study for a math exam. Do practice problems.

#2. I find it beneficial to read the textbook or at least skim the text. My textbook does this thing at the end of every chapter where it summarizes the main points, so I usually read over that.

That may not seem like a lot of tips, and you're right it's not, but most of my tips are general so I'll give those to you now.

General

#1. Look over your notes. You may think I'm crazy for saying this one but rewrite your notes. It's proven to help you remember.

#2. Make an outline or get one from the teacher. Go over all the topics you covered and make a short study guide for you to follow.

#3. Highlight key terms and phrases in your notes.

#4. Start studying a week or two before your exams.

#5. Make study sets. By this I mean, make quizlets for terms. Make one for each subject and study them.

#6. Review, review, and review again. Seriously.

#7. Don't be afraid to take a break during studying. Study for awhile and take a short break.

#8. This is the big one. Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you have any questions, ask. Ask the teacher, ask a friend, ask Google, ask me. I can help in a few ways. I am a senior, so I've mostly likely taken the classes you're in if you go to school in the US. Just message me, and I'll try to help.

Drop some topics and ideas for parts in the comments. I'm going to try to write a few sections after my exams are over.