Start Planning Early | Effective U

Get to know the test

How long is the exam? What kind of questions will be on the exam (e.g. multiple choice, essay, short answer, problem-solving)?
Which information should you focus on reviewing? Prioritize your time accordingly.
Talk with the instructor during office hours if you have questions.

Study and practice questions from your course materials. Many people are surprised how quickly material is forgotten.
Spend the majority of your review time on the material that is least familiar and briefly review the most familiar material.
Review old quizzes, exams, handouts, notes, and papers for information you may have forgotten. If your instructor does not return old tests, ask if you can schedule a time to look at yours so you can analyze the mistakes you made.
Put key concepts onto a document that can be quickly reviewed when you have small bits of time, like standing in lines or waiting at the bus stop.

Schedule time with a tutor and participate in a study group.
Attend the class right before the test. It is a prime time for the instructor to discuss the test.
Attend review sessions and pay attention to hints that the instructor may give about the test.