Prioritize what has to be accomplished – and when. This includes reading assignments, note-review, lab work, test preparation, and leisure time.
Construct on a calendar or notebook what you need to do each day in order to complete these tasks: determine the number of pages to read, or how much of a lab to complete, or how much serious time will be allotted to note-review. You may even wish to set definite time periods for each, but the key is getting them done.
Avoid clustering the same subjects together – mete things out evenly.
Determine your study-space: everyone has place that is most conducive to effective study. Become accustomed to regularly studying there. It should be comfortable, quiet, and permits the least distraction. For the longer stretches, allow yourself a few breaks, where you can relax your mind for 10 minutes or so. It is best not to allow social distractions here, though.
With this strategy in place, the best possible outcome is certain!
In general, it is helpful early on to concentrate your class notes in the following way:
If the type of exam is an Objective or Essay exam, you will want to, first, concentrate your notes as above, stressing general concepts, definitions, and item-lists. Organize the ideas and concepts into distinct categories and place them, if possible, into appropriate groups and sub-groups (hierarchies): prepare examples around each. Oftentimes, mnemonics are useful – e.g., Roy G. Biv, which is the spectrum of visible light from red to violet. At all times, be able to trace your concepts or exemplifications back to your simplified outline or idea/concept hierarchy.
If the type of exam is a Quantitative Exam, everything hinges on mastering the relevant formulas and the persistent practicing of assigned problems.
Last Updated: 4/29/10