Tips for Studying for Tests

Start on Day One

You should always be studying for the next test. Do a little each day, or at the very least start studying 2-3 days before the test. Do NOT start studying the night before the test. While cramming is a time honored tradition, it just doesn’t work as well as spending time each day studying, especially with a math class.

Be Proactive

If your teacher assigns a review assignment, but traditionally gives it the day before a test, think about asking for it early. Most teachers would be happy to give it to you early.

Make a List of Important Concepts & Formulas

Review your notes and make a list of important concepts and formulas on a single piece of paper. Make sure you know these formulas and how to use them!

Get a Good Night's Sleep

It is important to be well rested and mentally sharp when you take the test. Fatigue + stress produce a chemical in your brain that can block recall of information.

Rework Homework Problems

Don’t just read over the homework problems, actually rework them. Writing down the steps will also help you to remember them. Make sure that you try to do the problems without looking at the solutions.

Look for Identifying Characteristics in Problems

When you were doing your homework you knew which section it came out of, which provided some clues as to how to do each problem. During a test you won’t have this to help you. So when you review your homework, look for identifying characteristics that will give you clues on how to identify that kind of problem on the test.

Study Every Day

Every day study is a BIG part of test preparation. Do the homework when it is assigned. You really can’t cram 3 or 4 weeks worth of learning into just a couple of days of study. On tests you have to solve problems; homework problems are the only way to get that practice. As you do homework, make lists of formulas and techniques to use later when you study for tests. Ask your teacher questions as they arise; don't wait until the day or two before a test. The questions you ask right before a test should be minor ones to help clear up minor details.

Take a Practice Test

Find some extra problems and treat them like a practice test. Give yourself a time limit and don’t use your notes or book. Or find a study buddy and write a practice test for each other!

Use Flashcards

In addition to using flash cards for memorization of formulas, you can also use flash cards to help you remember the steps to follow in particular problems. On the front side write the problem; on the back side write the steps you would take to solve it. Writing down the steps will help you remember them

Make a Cheat Sheet

Try to write everything you need to know on one sheet of paper. There’s not a lot to memorize in math, so most of what you need to know is not facts or formulas but techniques. What if your teacher doesn’t let you use a cheat sheet on the test? The act of making one will organize the material in your mind and help you retain it.

Talk it Out

Try to explain out loud, in your own words, how each solution strategy is used (ex. how to solve a quadratic equation). If you get confused during a test, you can mentally return to your verbal "capsule instructions." Check your verbal explanations with a friend during a study session (it's more fun than talking to yourself!).

Replicate the Test Conditions

If you can simulate your test (environment, test-like questions, etc) during your study session, then you'll experience much less anxiety and be far more prepared when you actually have to take your test.