Lesson 5: Coping with Stress, Midterms and Exams
Term Tests and Final exams
The problem with midterms/term tests is that you are going to have regular classes, assignments and quizzes while midterms are scheduled. It is also more likely to have multiple tests in one week, or even in one day. So it is almost even more important to have solid time management skills than for exams. Although I would like to be careful with that statement because both have their own challenges.
You can apply pretty much the exact same strategies as discussed above with regards to time management. But there are a few other important facts about midterms: They always reflect previous tests; if you are lucky enough to know someone who has taken the course before and still has tests lying around, borrow them! Sometimes professors are kind enough to make an old test available. If they do not; pay attention to the kinds of questions on problem sets. That will be very helpful to determine what kinds of questions you should expect. Also pay attention to the format of the test; is there a fill in the blank question? Then you can usually pinpoint the topic that would be most suitable for fill in the blank, and expect that. If there are multiple choice questions you should expect more theory than calculations, and so forth.
Once you figured out that your calculus midterm with consist of problems, you know there is no point in memorizing the textbook. You will have to sit down and practice questions. The same goes for all other subjects; once you know what to expect you study accordingly. Spend less time on the things less likely to appear, and spend more time going over old test questions or homework exercises. If your course comprises mostly of readings, then make summary notes, and summarize those notes again. Make a fact list with terms and their meanings. Then read those lists over and over again. If you are taking a language course, be prepared to know vocabulary! So practice words. The best way to do that or to practice anything else is by writing it down endlessly until you can basically recite it in your dreams. Write it over and over again until you get seriously sick of it, then you know you know!
Take a break, and then try to remember everything you studied. Write down facts without looking at your notes or books. See if you were right, and the things that are not solid yet you know need additional attention.
Prior to final exams there is usually a study week in which there are no classes or assignments due. Some people decide it’s time to go on a vacation, but I recommend going away after your exams. Then you will be able to relax with no worries on your mind. The study week is implemented for a reason; so use it! Once you find out when your exams are check up on the policies with regards to missing an exam. Usually there is a doctor’s note required to be obtained on the day of the exam. If you have too many exams in a row, there are usually arrangements possible to accommodate that, but the policies vary in each college. If they are not advertised, make sure you take note of them. It is also customary to have a limit to which a person can arrive late. Commonly this limit is set at 30 minutes, if you arrive after that you are not admitted to the examination room. Do note that if you arrive late you are not given any extra time!
To make sure you are not going into an exam with an extremely high adrenaline rush, don’t rush! Plan your commute to school such that you arrive an hour before the exam starts. Either you arrive on time and still have an hour for review or relaxation, or if you are held up by traffic or any other cause, you will still be on time for your exam.
Ask you professor the format of the final exam, if he has not given it yet. Professors also commonly reuse questions from previous exams! Old exams are available, either through the department or through your college library. The final part of your preparation should consist of writing old examinations, to see how you are doing. It is entirely common for questions from exams three years back to reappear, and that can be just bonus marks because you had time to go over it at home! If there are no recurring questions at least you are familiar with the style of the exam. It can vary significantly from your tests, so don’t be fooled!
Another proven way to study for either a midterm or an exam is by making flashcards. Buy a set of index cards and write a term or information you need to know at the front, and the answer on the back of the card. You can use them to quiz yourself and to review the information. Another plus is that while making the cards you are writing down the information and thus forming a foundation.
The main things to remember when studying for either a term test or a final exam is to prepare well in advance. Schedule your time in blocks of an hour, and never spend one whole day studying only one topic except for the day before the exam. By applying variation you will get bored less easily and you will retain more information. Set reasonable goals for yourself and try to make them! If you do not, catch up! Use the summary notes you have made throughout the year to study for your final exams, but most importantly use the old examinations as practice.
Redo homework questions you were having trouble with (which you should have indicated!), and do a general review using flashcards. If you adhere to a tight schedule and keep your spirits up by setting a reward for yourself after each study session and a large reward to look forward to after exams. This will motivate you to run that extra mile, because exam time is just a last sprint to make the finish line. If you just keep running, you know you will be happy you did in two weeks, when you are lying back in that beach chair.
