How to Survive Exams!!!By: The Quad 2 RAs!!!

First, create a timetable

for your exams

Determine how many days (weeks) you have prior to each exam, and then rank

exams in regards to: Current level of

preparedness Overall exam difficulty Amount of studying /

reviewing (in hours) needed for each exam

(2:1 rule)

Next, determine the amount of material that should be covered

each dayCreating a Weekly Study

Schedule is vital, as it will help to organize the material to be studied

more efficiently Classes categorized

into chapters, sections, passages, etc. to be covered

each day Creates target study

goals and checkpoints

Third, begin implementing

what study techniques work most efficiently for each class

Various Study Techniques Include (but

are NLT): Rewriting Notes

Outlining Flash Cards

Tutoring Study Groups

Practice Problems Prof OH / Exam Reviews Creating Mock Exams

• Since the ideology of a course depends

almost entirely on a professor, you must

determine what study methods are best for

what class• Example: One bio

prof may place emphasis on lecture slides, while another may utilize textbook

Rewriting NotesPros: Reinforces short-term

memory Refreshes long-term memory Potential exam emphasis

and hidden giveaways Cons: Tedious Notes may be too

unorganized Difficult to remain focused Only applicable for certain

courses

OutliningPros: Provides quick summary

of chapter material Highlights major

concepts Beneficial for last-

minute reviewCons: Tedious May fail to connect all

concepts

Flash CardsPros: Repetition reinforces short-

memory Memorization can occur

quickly (definitions, minor concepts, etc.)

Works well for many intro science courses

Cons: Extremely tedious Review is time-consuming Long-term memory more

difficult to improve

TutoringPros: 1-on-1 help / explanation Can often answer / solve

any question presented Flexible hoursCons: Tutoring centers

overcrowded near exam periods

Non-Rutgers affiliated tutors may require hourly pay

Study GroupsPros: General group discussion

highlights topics / concepts others may have missed

Widespread collaboration and combination of various inputs, strengths, and study techniques add to overall review experience

Tutoring possibly available for those struggling

Cons: Study groups are often easily

distracted Everyone may not come

prepared Some don’t learn well in groups

Practice ProblemsPros: Drilling allows mastery of

subject material Thoroughly prepares you for

actual exam Great in study groups so those

that are proficient can tutor others (and benefit from teaching)

Cons: Extremely tedious Textbook may not provide

solutions Only applicable for certain

courses (Calc, Chem, Physics)

Prof OH / Exam ReviewPros: 1-on-1 discussion with

exam creator May provide material that

will be on exam May provide answers for

exam questionsCons: Office Hours timeframe

(often) not flexible Other students may

hinder 1-on-1 experience

Creating / Taking Mock Exams

Pros: Challenges your knowledge of

subject material Thoroughly prepares you for

actual exam Questions may potentially

appear on examCons: Extremely tedious If you created it, you know

the solutions to your own test Difficult to find mock exams

(Studyblue.com)

Tips and Tricks: DON’T CRAM

2-1 Rule: For every 1 hour in class, 2 hours of studying / review!

50-60 Rule: For every 50 minutes done studying, 10 minute break!

Remember, different subjects call for different studying Are you more efficient studying at night or during the day?

Alone or in study groups? Study in an environment which supports focus, learning, and

TRANQUILITY Remember to take breaks and have three meals a day!

Game (Exam) Day Preparation

Get plenty of rest (6-8 hours)!

Eat a balanced breakfast!

Get to the exam location 15 minutes

early!Try not to review the

day of the exam

Congratulations! You have now graduated

from Rookies to Veterans!!!