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Student Success

Preparing for Exams & Test-Taking

Preparing for an exam is more than studying the night before. Starting early, breaking the material into smaller pieces, and practicing what you know can help you feel more prepared when exam day arrives.

Start Early and Make a Plan

You don't have to study everything at once. Start several days before an exam and break the material into manageable sections. A little preparation each day can be more effective than trying to learn everything the night before.

Try to:

  • Find out what material will be covered on the exam.
  • Gather your notes, readings, assignments, and other course materials.
  • Break the material into smaller sections.
  • Plan when you will study each section.
  • Review material more than once.
  • Leave time to focus on topics you find difficult.
  • Build in breaks and time for sleep.

Study for the Type of Exam

Different exams may require different kinds of preparation. Think about what you will be asked to do and practice in a way that matches the exam.

For example:

  • Use flashcards to review terms, definitions, formulas, or concepts.
  • Practice answering questions without looking at your notes.
  • Work through practice problems if the exam involves calculations.
  • Create your own study guide.
  • Try to predict questions your professor might ask.
  • Explain a concept out loud or teach it to someone else.
  • Review old exams or practice questions when your professor provides them.

The goal isn't just to recognize information when you see it. Practice remembering and using what you've learned.

Check What You Know

As you study, don't spend all your time reviewing information that already feels familiar. Test yourself to see what you can actually remember.

Try closing your notes and:

  • Write down everything you remember about a topic.
  • Answer practice questions.
  • Explain a concept without looking at your notes.
  • Make a list of questions you still can't answer.
  • Go back to your notes or readings to review what you missed.

The Day Before an Exam

The night before an exam is not the time to try to learn everything at once. Use your time to review key concepts, check areas where you are still unsure, and get yourself ready for the next day. 

Before you finish studying:

  • Review the most important concepts.
  • Look over your study guide or notes.
  • Spend some time on difficult material.
  • Make sure you know when and where the exam is.
  • Gather anything you need to bring.
  • Get enough sleep.

On Exam Day

Give yourself enough time to get to the exam, settle in, and get organized. If you're feeling nervous, take a few moments to slow down and focus before you begin.

Before you start:

  • Arrive a little early.
  • Have the supplies you need.
  • Read the directions carefully.
  • Look over the exam and think about how you will use your time.
  • Start with questions you feel prepared to answer.

Managing Your Time During the Exam

Keep an eye on the time so you don't spend too long on one question. If you get stuck, move on and come back to it later if you have time.

Keep DETER in mind:

  • Directions – Read them carefully.
  • Examine – Look over the exam before you begin.
  • Time – Keep track of your time.
  • Easiest – Start with questions you know.
  • Review – Check your work if you have time.

If You Feel Anxious

Some nervousness before an exam is normal. If you start to feel overwhelmed, pause and take a few slow breaths. Remind yourself that you can only do what you can do in that moment, and focus on the question in front of you. While grades on exams are important, they are also only one piece of your overall grade.

Try a breathing technique:

  • Box breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 4, breathe out for 4, hold for 4. Repeat several times.
  • 4-7-8 breathing: Breathe in for 4 seconds, hold for 7, and breathe out slowly for 8. Repeat 3–4 times.
  • Cyclic sighing: Take a slow breath in, then take a second, shorter breath in before slowly breathing all the way out. Repeat several times.

You can also try:

  • Relaxing your shoulders and unclenching your jaw.
  • Replacing negative thoughts with more realistic ones.
  • Visualizing yourself calmly working through the exam.
  • Taking a brief pause if you feel overwhelmed.