Plan B Strategies

Studying Tips from St. George’s University

It’s that time of year again students. The weather is warmer, the days longer, and final exams are quickly approaching! For some this can be a very stressful time but for those who have mastered the art of studying, this term’s exams should be painless.

The first step to effective studying is taking excellent notes. Keeping notes in an outline format is usually best as it helps keep them organized and comprehendible. Reviewing class notes is another way of staying on top of class material. Reviewing notes regularly helps with content retention and preparing for the next class.  

Another method for ensuring you fully understand class material is creating a practice test. Come up with questions you think could be on an exam and see if you know the answers. Even better, get with a group of friends and test each other.

Most professors incorporate essays into all of their class exams. When faced with an essay exam, take a moment to bullet out key points. Bullets are a great way for outlining an essay and getting all of your thoughts on paper.

Vocabulary is also often a huge portion of exams. Flash cards have been shown to be the most effective way of memorizing key words and their meanings. Take it a step further and color code your flash cards to categorize the vocabulary so you’ll easily recognize the terms during the exam.

Time management may be the most important factor for acing exams. Set aside some time throughout the term to review class material and textbooks. This will ensure you’re not cramming or pulling an “all-nighter” hours before the big test.

If you’re in need of some extra assistance, seek out education programs available. Universities often offer programs for students who need some extra help with their academics. School-affiliated programs are designed to provide students with the opportunity to evaluate and improve their academic skills, learn innovative study methods, and better manage their time. The Department of Educational Services, at St. George’s University in Grenada, West Indies, is such a program. Close to 100% of the University’s students avail themselves of the support offered through this unique program where a variety of innovative programs—including time management, note-taking skills, and utilizing technology effectively in teaching and learning—are offered.  The program, offered by university support services, is an important component of both students’ and graduates’ successes, and should not be overlooked when mapping a strategy for exam preparation.