Too Bad They're Not
Testing on 'Harry Potter'

Will This Be on The Test?

First, figure out exactly what you’ll be tested on. Yes, that sounds pretty obvious. But the clearer picture you have, the better you’ll understand what to study. Find out exactly which chapters, formulas, ideas, etc. that will be on the exam. Don’t be one of those annoying students who raises their hand every five minutes asking, “Will this be on the test?” But as you move through the semester (and especially in the last few weeks before an exam) make sure you know exactly what you should be reviewing.

Making a Study Schedule and Ugh, Actually Studying

If it’s a big test, you should probably make a study schedule -- for instance, review Chapters 1 and 2 on Monday, Chapter 3 and some formulas on Tuesday, and so on. This seems obvious, but by setting out a clear schedule, you’ll find yourself less overwhelmed. The trick is breaking it into manageable chunks, even if you haven’t studied since the beginning of school. (Which you should have. But we’re just saying.)

It’s a good idea to be BFF with your highlighters all semester. First, it forces you to analyze the most important info while you’re reading it; then during review, you can just read over the highlighted sections for a quick refresh if that’s all you need.

Review your notes and handouts, and see if you can arrange a note swap with a classmate -- the two of you should photocopy or print out your class notes and give each other a copy. That way, you’ll get anything you missed during class or simply another perspective on the material. No two people ever take down the same notes.

When Flashcards Can Help

Flashcards will help best for rote memorization. Need to know the names of all the Chinese dynasties and their time spans? Flashcards, flashcards, flashcards. If you need to memorize more analytical stuff, however, writing out a list or creating a mneumonic device will probably be of more service. Flashcards are good for quick bits of info, but even just writing something down will help you to memorize it.

When to Taper -- AKA, the Delight of Doing Nothing

Your brain is not a clown car. You don’t want sit down to take the test with a brain that’s stuffed so full of info that it all jumbles together. In an ideal world, the night before your exam should be a quick review of everything you’ve studied so far. (Don’t you love this uber-fake ideal world?) Eat a nutritious dinner, watch an episode of something funny, and get a good night’s rest. One million bonus points if you actually live in an ideal world.

Freaking Out? Five Steps to Calm Down During a Test

1. If you had to memorize formulas or pneumonic devices, write them out on scrap paper or on the back of your exam paper as soon as the test starts. That way, you won’t be worrying the entire time that you’re going to forget that information before you get to that part of the test.
2. Take 10 deep breaths. It really does help.
3. If you can’t answer a question, find one you can answer. It will get you started and give you a much-needed confidence boost.
4. If you have scrap paper, give yourself permission to doodle and rest your mind for 30 seconds.
5. Think about how happy you’ll be when it’s over. Focus on that feeling of accomplishment.

Last-Minute Fixes

Nothing will make up for studying well and getting a good night’s sleep. Ugh, did we just sound like your parents? Sorry about that. But if you need an edge, and quick, bring mints -- they help concentration! Chocolate will bring you a quick energy spike. Basically, peppermint patties are where it’s at. We don’t own a candy store, we just sound like we do.