How to Prepare an Exam Study Sheet

Many students prepare for an exam by making an exam study sheet, or "cheat sheet." Study sheets help you focus your attention on the important information most likely to be on the exam. Use the steps below to make a study sheet that helps you ace the exam.

Instructions

1. Outline the chapters studied, using headings and subheadings as your guide. Textbook writers use these to show the important parts of the chapter. Outline all the chapters that will be covered in the exam.

2. Review your class notes to find the important words, dates, definitions and concepts from the unit. Teachers often use special language to indicate topics that will appear on the test. This is important to remember. Any item you underlined or put a star next to in your notes is likely an important one.

3. Combine chapter outlines with important words and ideas from class notes. The best exam study sheet contains all the high points of the unit in one or two pages. Include definitions and important events.

Tips & Warnings

• Use visual markers like stars, exclamation points, underlining or highlighting to reinforce important parts of the study sheet.

Resources

• Howtostudy.org covers studying from accounting to theater.
• Study Guides and Strategies has helped students since 1996.
• Test Taking Tips includes hints on cramming.
• How-To-Study offers study tips on several topics.