Study Skills

• Go to class regularly to feel more prepared.
• Avoid cramming—study a little at a time over several days.
• Set up a study space that is organized and distraction-free.
• Summarize your notes into 3–5 pages of key ideas or diagrams.
• Use old tests or practice questions if your instructor allows it.
• Ask what the test format will be (multiple choice, essay, etc.).
• Study with classmates throughout the semester—not just before the test.
• Teach the material to someone else; it helps you understand it better.
• Review your summary before the test instead of rereading everything.
• Rest the night before—sleep improves memory.
• Eat balanced meals and limit caffeine.
• Take a few minutes to breathe and relax before starting.

• Think of the exam like a performance—studying is your practice.
• Make a simple study plan that includes when, where, and what to study.
• Start with big ideas before adding details.
• Pay attention to what your instructor repeats or emphasizes.
• Try predicting possible questions based on class materials.
• Spend extra time on topics you struggle with.
• Create visuals like outlines, charts, or summaries.
• Practice under test-like conditions (timed, quiet, limited notes).
• Ask for help early—visit office hours when something is unclear.

• Eliminate answers you know are wrong first.
• Try thinking of the answer before reading the options.
• Change your answer only if you are sure.
• Skip hard questions and come back to them.
• Watch for words like no, not, or none.

If you must guess:

• Avoid answers with strong words like always or never.
• Answers with more detail are often correct.
• Words like often or most are more likely to be true.
• Your first instinct is sometimes right.

If multiple-choice tests feel hard, it helps to figure out why. Ask yourself:

• Did I not learn the material well enough?
• Did I study but forget during the test?
• Did I misunderstand the question?
• Was vocabulary confusing?
• Did I rush?
• Did I eliminate too many or too few options?
• Did I make a filling-in or marking mistake?

Identifying the issue helps you improve your next test.

• Read all questions first and look for key action words.
• Start with the question you feel most confident about.
• Jot down quick ideas or vocabulary to guide your answer.
• Create a short outline so your answer stays organized.
• Manage your time—spend more time on high-point questions.
• Write clearly and leave space for edits.
• Re-read your answer for clarity and grammar.

• Analyze: Break into parts and explain each.
• Compare: Show similarities and differences.
• Contrast: Focus on differences.
• Define: Give the exact meaning.
• Describe: Provide clear details.
• Discuss: Present different sides of an issue.
• Explain: Show how or why something happens.
• Illustrate: Give examples.
• Outline: List the main points.
• Summarize: Share the short version with key points.
• Evaluate: Give your judgment with reasons.
• Trace: Explain steps or events in order.

• Get enough sleep.
• Eat regular meals.
• Ask for help when you need it.
• Practice the skills your test will use.