How to Ace an Exam without Studying

Most people think of studying as the long hours of cramming for an exam. What if I said you could ace an exam (not all exams) without studying? It is possible.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pencil/Pen
• paper
• test
• class material
• your attention

1. 
    
   give yourself enough time to get to class early

   ATTEND ALL CLASSES AND PAY ATTENTION. This is key to anyone who doesn't want to/can't afford the time to study. By attending all classes, you can't miss what the teacher covers in each lesson. By paying attention 100% of the time, you will slowly learn the material. This process will definitely be of use when you take the exam (because you remember it).

2. 
    
   prioritize your homework

   DO THE HOMEWORK. Although by college, pretty much all homework is extra work left ungraded, do it. It doesn't count as studying since you're not making extra effort. And by doing the homework, you can be prepared for any in-class surprises.

3. 
    
   concentrate on this day as if it were the test day

   CLASS REVIEW DAY. There will be a time in class when your professor will review for the exam. It is at this time that you train your mind to act as if it is test day, and the professor just gave you a Cheat Sheet. Everything the professor says, try to mentally answer using your prior knowledge. If you're wrong, REMEMBER that topic/question more so you don't get it wrong again (on the test).

4. 
    
   relax and clear your mind, mentally envision your success

   RELAX. The average student slugs to class, pays at most partially attention to the professor, and then crams like crazy last minute, all nervous about a test they haven't prepared for. STOP
   YOU - You have attended all classes, did the necessary work = A little at a time. For their massive overnight cramming, you have done the equivalent amount of time through paying attention every class.
   You can relax, and mentally envision yourself acing that test, while the average student is sweating, praying and kicking themselves for not being more prepared.

5. 
    
   this article is protected by copyscape

   Good luck on your exam!

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for the test with pen/pencil
• Follow instructions carefully
• Make sure to eat (survey shows you're more attentive when you have eaten)
• If you are stumped on a question, use your first guess
• This method won't work for REALLY REALLY HARD examinations (like standardized tests, and professional certified examinations)

Resources

• More Articles by WesleyJ

[dsarokin]

on 11/9/2008 I wonder if I should show this to my son, so he'll pay more attention in class, or not show it, so he won't think he doesn't have to study? A conundrum, but a good article.

[krazigirl79]

on 11/9/2008 Great tips! If only I was back in school! :)

[veryirie]

on 11/7/2008 A great approach for proof of not cramming in study. Good read!

[momandpopoften]

on 11/6/2008 This is absolutely the best way to study for a test without studying! Great advice!

[soulmates]

on 11/6/2008 Well said. I will be trying this next week on my test