How to Pass Your Academic Exams in College: Helpful Guidelines

You will experience some anxiety when you know that you will be testing and this can be quite stressful, especially when you try to cram for your exams. But when you adequately study to prepare yourself beforehand- you will feel more confident about passing your test. 

 

College life can be most academically challenging for some students, especially when it comes to taking exams and quizzes. Understand that your final grades display how well you’ve prepared for your test and just how well you have applied yourself overall during the semesters.  While it may be difficult for some students, it’s not impossible to do well on test and quizzes. However, it will take much effort on your part…and you must start on disciplining yourself early in your freshmen year, if you want to achieve and maintain maximum results.  Testing high on your exams will also help to raise your GPA. Understandably, you will experience some anxiety when you know that you will be testing and this can be quite stressful, especially when you try to cram for your exams.  But when you sustain good study habits and effectively prepare yourself beforehand- you will feel more confident about passing your test.  Here are some excellent tips on how to effectively prepare for and pass your academic exams in college.

• It’s important that you attend your classes regularly and take good notes (and I emphasize good notes) during the class lectures. Come prepared…bring all relevant books, handouts, notebook-for taking notes, pens, pencils, and highlighters.  Stay alert, and pay close attention as your instructors lecture because they will cover pertinent information that will appear on the test. Be sure to highlight these important clues (dates, keywords, main topics) in your notes and in your textbooks. In the event you are not able to attend class for some reason, make sure that you get notes from a classmate who takes some really good notes.
• Do all of your homework and required reading assignments.  If you are not clear about something you should ask your questions at the appropriate time during your class or you can call or e-mail your instructor to get clarity.  By all means, don’t wait too long to contact your instructors but you should do this immediately so that you will have the correct information in time to complete your assignments. You should complete and turn in all assignments on time. Some instructors will take points away when work is turned in late. Scrutinize your class syllabus. Remember, a great deal of information covered in class and in the homework assignments will more than likely appear on your test. 
• Do extra credit assignments if your instructors give you the option.  Now…no one is going to twist your arm, but you should take advantage of this.  Doing extra credit work can help reinforce your knowledge of your class subjects and will help bring up your grade point average as well.
• Study with a group of your classmates. Surely there will be students who seek out other students who wish to study together.  There are many advantages in college study groups.  When each student contributes his or her knowledge it will help broaden each one’s understanding of the class material overall. 
• Study with a tutor if you feel you need to.  Tutors possess advanced knowledge about certain subjects and they can help you attain a better understanding in the subjects you are having difficulty with.
• Whenever you decide to study alone make sure that you select an area that is conducive for study such as the library, a reading room, or other quiet area.  You should devote at least two to three hours for study per session.  Bring all pertinent study material. Create flash cards to study from and to help retain important information that will be on the test.
• Carefully organize your class notes so that you vividly understand everything that was covered during the lectures and use these notes when you study, along with your books and other relevant material.  You should also make note of the dates for your upcoming quizzes and test and prepare for them in advance. 
• Get sufficient sleep the night before your exams and eat a nutritious meal the day of. On the day of the test be sure to read each question carefully before you answer, don’t waste too much time on one question, complete answers you know first, and never leave any questions blank…always mark or write in the best possible answer.