How to Improve Exam Results

Among the most valuable resources you have available to you when studying are previous tests. Looking over past tests can help you improve your exam results by helping you know what to study, how to best prepare for a test, and how to focus your in-class note taking to facilitate studying that material.

Things You'll Need

• previous tests
• pen
• paper

Instructions

Studying with Past Tests

1. Look over your past tests to identify areas that you consistently have trouble with, such as essay questions or vocabulary. You will want to focus on preparing for such questions in future exams.

2. Scan the test to see how material is covered. Is it covered evenly or is there a greater focus on the more recent material? Are there questions over supplemental material or class discussion? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you prepare for the next exam.

3. Use exams from previous years if you have access to them, which you may find online on the school's website or in the school library. Usually past tests will show what the most important concepts in the material are and often are good predictors of questions on future tests.

4. Write your own test questions in the style of one of the past tests. Figure out what parts of the material you would include when constructing a test.

References

• Massey University: Reviewing Past Exams

Resources

• Philosophy.Lander.edu: Reviewing For Exams