Before the exam:

Plan ahead

Start reviewing your notes early and make note of important items. Teachers are usually pretty good at letting exam hints or suggestions slip.

• Keep all your tests and quizzes. They will give you an idea of where you went wrong and teachers may reuse some of the same questions in the future.
• Don’t procrastinate. Make yourself a study schedule ahead of time (also including some breaks) and stick to it.

Set up your study space

Everyone studies differently. So even if you need to have complete silence while studying or like to work with music in the background, here’s what you should do to keep distractions to a minimum:

• Turn off instant messengers of any kind and don’t answer phone calls during your study time. We know you’d rather talk to a friend than study, but studying has to be your number one priority!
• Clear your workspace so that you don’t lose notes or any study items.

Study, study, study

• Ask yourself questions as you read or review. If your exam involves specific books, re-read chapters or important parts.
• If your exam has “definitions” or an important names and dates section, create flashcards from cheap index cards, recycled paper or Bristol board. Write the definition on one side and the term on the other. You can quiz yourself or have a friend do it.
• Take careful notes. When you take notes throughout the term, remember that you are going to have to use them later. If you plan ahead, you can ask your teacher questions about the exam material beforehand. Follow the teacher’s review guide if they provide one.
• Keep study groups to a minimum; usually, more chatting than studying happens. You can share notes and quizzes, but remember that only YOU write your exam.
• Beware of people who study last minute and ask you questions the night before the exam. Remember that you are writing a test for one person: You! It’s important that you feel prepared. A study partnership is a two way street of knowledge!

Reward yourself

• Create a rewards system. Remember that being too stressed out can also affect how well you perform in school.

Prepare the night before your exam

• Gather all materials needed in advance (sharp pencils, pens, calculator, notes allowed in the exam, etc.). And remember to get a good night’s sleep before the exam.

The day of the exam:

• Eat breakfast! Your brain works best when it is rested and fuelled.

At the exam

Get to school early, with plenty of time to relax and get to your exam room.

• Be skeptical of those chattering on about terms you have never heard of before. This particular time can stress students out the most, especially when others seem to know more about the subject.
• When you enter the exam room, sit in a comfortable spot and as close to your regular seat in your classroom as possible.
• Read through the entire exam and organize your time. Do the questions you know first!

On science and math exams, show your work! Teachers are often willing to give you part marks for your effort if you are on the right path.

For English or other subjects that demand a lot of writing, use your time wisely! Use scrap paper to map out your answer. Make sure you actually answer the question; don’t ramble.

Don’t cheat

What’s the worst that could happen? You could get a zero on the exam, fail the course, or even be expelled. It’s also a permanent black mark on your student record.

After the exam

It’s over! When it’s all done, reward yourself and don’t fret over little mistakes you might have made; there’s nothing you can do but wait. If you have a little time off before your next exam, take the night off.

If you feel that you are not being graded fairly on your work, talk to your guidance counsellor or teacher. You could be a candidate for extra time or take-home exams. Some teachers even allow a verbal exam if you have barriers with exams. Check out your options!

Links

Study Guides and Strategies
Links for Study Tips
Post-Secondary Survival Tips