Study Strategies:
Preparing for Exams

10 Tips for Success!

#1
The Exam Review

Review

• Pay attention to your teachers' review lessons
• Do ALL of the review questions
• Go to EVERY class before the exam
• Ask questions; go for extra help

#2
Make Study Notes

Notes

• Make sure you have all of the class notes
• Organize notes according to unit/topic
• Make your own study notes (re-type, write them out, use organizers)
• Review past assignments and tests
• Know your learning style (auditory, kinesthetic, visual)

#3
Use Study Methods that Work for Your Learning Style

Tips: Visual Learners

• Make visual connections between ideas
• Start with general themes in a chart , then add details
• Colour code
• Use mind maps, vocabulary lists, concept maps, timelines

Tips: Auditory Learners

• Record your study notes and play them back
• Use Google Read and Write to listen to text/ notes
• Watch/listen to videos that your teacher has suggested
• Teach each other concepts

Tips: Kinesthetic Learners

• Place stations around your room according to unit/topic and add sticky notes or cue cards to each station

#4
Study with a Buddy

Study Groups

• Choose students who have good notes and who can focus
• Make quizzes for each other based on topics
• Explain concepts to one another
• Choose a quiet space without distractions
• We remember more of what we talk about with others (versus just reading or re-reading)

#5
Time Management

Create a Study Schedule

• Don't wait until the last minute (don't cram!)
• Write down your exam schedule and backwards plan your study sessions
• Make a calendar for the exam month and follow it

#6
Nutrition

Brain Food

• Choose healthy snacks for study sessions
• Eat a healthy breakfast before the exam
• Protein, antioxidant rich foods and water are essential

#7
Sleep

Rest is Essential

• Do not stay up all night
• Get uninterrupted sleep before your exam (no phones!)
• Set your alarm so that you are EARLY for your exam

#8
Study Tools

Things You Might Use

• Sticky notes
• Highlighters
• Chart paper
• Cue cards
• Graphic organizers (mind maps, etc.)
• Google Read and Write

#9
Exam Day

What to Do

• Double check the exam room location
• Arrive 15 minutes early
• Bring: pens/pencils, eraser, highlighter, math materials (if appropriate), water bottle
• Don't bring: phone, earbuds, study notes, Smartwatches, food
• You may leave the room after one hour has passed and after you have looked over your responses
• You may not access your locker until after the exam session is over, so leave your belongings at the front of the exam room

Other Important Info

• If you do not have an exam, you do not have to attend school that day
• The cafeteria servery will be closed; Breakfast Club will be available
• Buses will run on the regular schedule
• Semester 2 begins on Monday, February 3rd
• Lists will be posted to remind you of where your new homeroom will be

#10
Keep Calm

You Got This!

• Being prepared will reduce stress
• Attempt all questions
• Do your best!