How I Prep for Exams

Midterm exams can be daunting. They are usually something you avoid thinking about until the last possible minute in the hopes that if you do not acknowledge them then maybe they are not real. However, the fact is that having exams will always be inevitable. Despite this intimidating fact, there are ways to prepare for exams so that once they do come, you feel a lot less anxious about them. The following are some of my favorite study habits:

  1. Write good notes: I make sure that the notes I complete in class cover material beyond what is in the class slides, since professors often mention important information in their lecture that may not necessarily be included in the slides. I go over all my notes in conjunction with the class slides as a part of my review for exams.

  2. Go to office hours!: Going to office hours throughout the semester is a huge help to deal with any lingering questions you may have about the material covered in class.

  3. Plan ahead: It is important to start studying for your exams with a bit of time in advance of the actual exam. Depending on the class, this could mean starting your review as early as 1-2 weeks in advance. This way, you can avoid cramming by separating the material across multiple days in order to avoid becoming overwhelmed. 

  4. Find a good study spot: In my opinion, it is very important to feel comfortable while you are studying so that the material actually sticks and so that you have minimal distractions. 

- Emma L.