Having an action plan for preparing for tests not only helps raise a student’s grades but can also raise his or her confidence in taking future exams. Help your student implement this easy-to-use timeline, and put in enough effort needed to succeed.
This is a sample of what students learn in Student Success and our Summer Student Success groups.
One to Two Weeks Before the Test
One to two weeks before the test, students should start asking some questions and deciding when they will prepare for the upcoming test.
Ask questions to determine the content and format of the exam
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What chapter or information is being covered by the exam?
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What is the format: True/False (T/F), Multiple-Choice, Essay, etc.?
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What percentage of the total grade involves T/F, multiple-choice, and essay questions?
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Find out about grading: does spelling count?
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Specific information to memorize (dates, names, etc.)
Make a study schedule
When making up a study schedule, consider the post “How Much Time Should You Study for Tests?”
For final exams, it might be helpful to use a weekly calendar to map out the time to spend studying the week before and the week of these tests.
One Week Before the Test
One week before the test, start gathering up all the materials needed and then organize them using memory tools and strategies.
Begin Gathering All Materials
Gather up notes, articles, handouts, quizzes, etc.
Finish all assignments not yet completed as these will help with preparing.
Read over all of your notes, and be sure that you have caught up on any reading assignments you have missed. Take this opportunity to get notes from someone else in the class for any class meeting you missed—perhaps they were absent when you were there, and so you can have a notes swap.
Complete questions on the study guide or review sheet as soon as it is received. Take advantage of any time available to discuss answers with others. If a review sheet is not given, work with other students to split up the responsibility to make up a review sheet.
Answer sample essay questions (if provided) or make up your own essay questions based on notes taken in the classroom.
Organize the Information using Memory Tools and Strategies
Use graphic organizers, mnemonics, memory pictures, and other memory strategies to organize the information to easier recall it. For help with memory strategies, consider enrolling in Student Success or our Memory Training program.
Make flashcards or use an online flash-card or learning tools like Quizlet or Kahoot. These tools are available from anywhere- phone, laptop, tablet, desktop computer, etc. – plus there’s no need to keep up with the cards.
Make study notes on law-ruled paper for study notes instead of flashcards: these are easier to carry with you.
Organize Information for Open Book or Open Note Tests
If the test is “open-book” and/or “open-note,” try these suggestions to quickly find information during the test.
Create an outline of the information covered. In the outline, summarize the key concepts and issues discussed for each topic, and note what pages of the book, supplemental readings, and dates of notes to turn to if a question related to that topic appears.
Flag key pages of the text and notes using Post-It flags. Use color-coded ones to find specific information quickly during the exam.
Two to Four Days Before the Test
At School:
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Take notes during the in-class or small group review.
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Consider going to the teacher’s/professor’s tutorial or office hours to review any material missed or misunderstood in class.
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Take ALL materials home to study
At Home:
Set aside enough time to study and prioritize:
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Use the memory tools developed.
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Study teacher review sheets and classroom notes.
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Practice writing answers to essay questions.
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Practice math computations and applying formulas.
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Think about different ways to apply concepts or formulas.
The Day Before the Test
Go to the last class meeting before the exam with any remaining questions.
The Night Before the Test
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Set aside enough time to study.
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The night before the test, review the memory tools, study guide, or class notes for the last time right before going to bed.
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Get plenty of sleep!
The Day of the Test
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Eat a good breakfast and lunch.
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Pack all supplies needed.
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Wear a watch.
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Arrive on time (or even early).
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Sit away from friends (to resist talking and avoid distractions).
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Use active test-taking strategies.
Need help applying these concepts?
This is an example of what students learn in Student Success and our Summer Student Success groups.
Contact us to make an appointment.
(c) 2009-2019, Monte W. Davenport, Ph.D.
