Test Taking Strategies

With the middle of the semester arriving, students going nuts with heavy loads of last minute homework assignments, double shifts at work, crazy Thursday (or Tuesday) nights, or just sleeping in way too late and way too much, studying for mid-term exams probably won't or isn't coming as easy as it used to in high school or freshmen year of college. Back in those days, students seemed a little more interested in getting good grades so studying was the "thing to do."
Personally, there is just way too much going on so studying seems new to me. I have no specific approach, no cool learning/studying games, and I get bored very easily. For those of you, like me, who are having trouble getting back into the swing of studying or test taking, or for those who just want to try something new, here are a few studying strategies [I try to use] that could improve your grades.

1. Set realistic priorities for your course work. You may even need or want to write down these priorities and mark them as you go along.

2. Go to a place without distractions, like the library, to study.

3. When working, keep all electronic distractions to a minimum. For example, turn off cellphone (okay, that's a little too much. Maybe put it on silent), do not open any new tabs on the computer (you could even try studying without using a computer), don't bring your mp3 (unless you work well with music playing), and if you're working in a room with a television, keep it off or on low (again, unless of course you work well in that situation).

4. Try speaking out loud to yourself when studying. Sometimes reciting the material in song format (or as rap lyrics, as I like to do because its hilarious when I'm trying to help a friend learn the material) keeps the information retained

5. Once you think you're comfortable enough with the material, practice answering questions with a friend.

Click the following links for more strategies:

Extra Study Strategies 1

Read up on what keeps all of us up late at night, literally.
Extra Study Strategies 2

Concentrating while studying
Extra Study Strategies 3