Comments on: How to Cram for a Test

on 11/22/2005 Because I learn best visually, I find it helpful to draw pictures or charts of difficult concepts. Also, if I need to quickly remember a foreign language vocabulary word, I like to take the word apart and make it into a phrase or sentence that will remind me of the definition and spark my memory on the test. For example, the Spanish word "lavar" means to wash. I would take "lav" and think to myself of a LAVoratory (another word for bathroom), which has sinks where people WASH...!

on 11/22/2005 For each chapter/topic that you are studying for, give yourself a set time limit. Leave an hour or so at the end to go over the parts you missed. At the end of the time MOVE ON to the next chapter. You can then go back to the parts you missed with your extra time. This works wonders and keeps you moving along.

on 11/22/2005 If you are reviewing from a textbook, read the first sentence of every paragraph. That way, you get the general concepts without getting bogged down by excessive detail.

on 11/22/2005 If your information is in a textbook, read it - take your time, repeat it all you like, but read it only once.
For definitions flash cards is good, but if you dont have time to make them, a sheet of definitions are good too.
I like reading the textbook once, worksheets once, the definitions twice, and everything the teacher hinted that it will be on the test three times. But i usually do that as fine as you can cut it before the test - in the car, during break, those few minutes before school, etc (as long as you can finish something, such as a section of a textbook, or going through the definitions once)

on 11/22/2005 Before you start studying, drink one can of Red Bull. It'll make you more energetic and alert. If you pulled an all-nighter, bring another can to class. Drink it five to ten minutes before the professor hands out the exam.

on 11/22/2005 If you only have one night to study for a test...hit the NOTES! Notes are the main source where teachers get their test questions. Use your textbook as a secondary source if you have time. This is what all my teachers have told me!

on 11/22/2005 When studying for reading subjects like history and English, take notes over the material in the form of questions and swap copies of study sheets with friends that have done the same.

on 11/22/2005 Try to read over the topics the night before the test, then again in the morning. Sleeping helps get the information into your brain, then recapping in the morning reinforces this.

on 11/22/2005 Ever feel exasperated from tyring to study all that material? Study diversely! For vocabulary, make flash cards; for inserts you have to read and know, record yourself reading and listen three times! Read aloud with it! For the rest, make a study sheet!

on 11/22/2005 I read somewhere that if you smell lavender when you are studying, it helps you remember things better. So far it has been helping me!

on 11/22/2005 A great way to cram for a test is to get together with a friend. Then read notes that your teacher gives you aloud. After you both feel you remember everything you read, quiz each other.

on 11/22/2005 If it's a math test or something technical and you can get a hold of some examples, do each one. Recognition is far more important than exact memory. Familiarize yourself with the format and solutions.

on 11/22/2005 I have found a very simple way for me to memorize important information. I take notes in class, read the notes aloud, record myself speaking and burn a CD with my notes on it. This may seem hard, but it isn't.

on 11/22/2005 If you did not study for a test and you have one night to cram it in, all you should do is try to remember the important key notes. Make sure you don't stay up late because that causes forgetfulness.

on 11/22/2005 I read somewhere that when you sleep right after you study, you will be able to learn the information more easily.