Making Study Aids

Decide how to organize the information for your upcoming test. Remember that the organization depends on the type of material you are studying. For example, methods to study mathematical formulas would differ from methods for concepts in the social
sciences. Possibilities include:

• Study fact sheets or note cards that you create. Don’t use those of another student. The process of making these study aids is a large part of their benefit. Focus on integrating details into main ideas.
• Create visual representations. Make a large poster that shows relationships between the concepts, drawing pictures and making symbols that are meaningful to you.
• Make lists of key words or write definitions of
  unfamiliar terms.
• Use these tips and then be creative to find
  methods that work for you and make them your own. Reviewing and Refreshing
• Establish a time and place to study that is best for you.
• Now that you’ve made study aids (above), use them.
• Just before exam time, skim the text, headings, highlighted material, and any margin notes you’ve made. This assumes that you’ve already read carefully for comprehension.

Overcoming Test Anxiety

What is Test Anxiety? An overwhelming amount of stress that you experience to the point of near panic before and during
a test. Signs of text anxiety include shallow breathing,
rapid heartbeat, inability to concentrate, worried
and negative thinking, and inability to sit still.

Test Taking Strategies

If you have experienced anticipatory anxiety or
anxious symptoms during a test that have affected the
outcome of the exam, keep these guidelines in mind:
In the days and weeks prior to an exam…

• Study notes regularly and prepare for exams 1-2
  weeks ahead of time to avoid stressful cramming.
• Plan ahead for test day to prevent stressful situations
  prior to the test.
• Get plenty of sleep each night and exercise regularly, especially prior to an exam.
• Avoid too much partying, alcohol, or caffeine prior to
  the exam.
• In the last few hours or moments before the test…Keep things in perspective. Remind yourself that the rest of your life or your self-esteem does not depend on this single test.
  
  Practice relaxation techniques that work for you.
  For example:

• Visualize a favorite place or remember a time
  when you were most relaxed and describe it to yourself.
• Use guided imagery to imagine yourself taking the test. For example, imagine the professor handing you the test, what the room will look like, and how you will confidently work through the test.
• Practice deep breathing, inhaling and exhaling slowly
  and repetitively.
• Replace negative self-talk with affirmations of your abilities and recognize the thoughts that calm you down.

During the test…

• Concentrate calmly and remind yourself that you are making your best effort.
• Review relaxation techniques when needed.

After the test…

• Assure yourself you did the best job you could.
• Reward yourself with a treat or activity you enjoy.

Portions of this information were based on:
http://www.ulc.psu.edu/studyskills/test_taking.html#tips
University Learning Centers
Penn State University