1. Spread out your study time
Marathon study sessions don’t help you retain important information to then recall during tests. Go into each study session with a goal of what to focus on, whether it be more chapters in your text or thematic concepts.
To help you find the time to study and balance everything else, meet with our academic coach who can help you set up a realistic schedule.
Book a 30-minute meeting on OSCARplus / Student Success Centre / Appointments / Academic Skills.
2. Test yourself
Review old exams and create your own questions, focusing on application, problem-solving and conceptual topics.
Bonus tip: You can save time and test yourself on what you don’t already know by switching up courses during your study sessions.
3. Simulate test conditions
Find out how many and what types of questions will be on the test, as well as its duration, and then recreate these conditions. This will help you manage your time, reduce anxiety, and improve your performance. For helpful strategies on taking different types of tests, check out the Test Taking Strategies guide.
4. Use visual aids
Organize key course concepts into visuals, such as mind maps or flow charts, to identify patterns, themes, and connections. Visuals can also help keep you engaged while studying and improve recall during tests. For more tips on creating mind maps, visit the Mind Mapping guide.
5. Reward yourself
Staying motivated to study can be challenging, but treating yourself throughout midterm season can help you stay focused. Rewards don’t have to be big or expensive—sometimes it’s simply spending time with a friend or enjoying a treat. For more tips on staying motivated, visit Staying Motivated: Academic Skills.
Our team is here to support you in reaching your academic goals. Visit the Writing and Academic Skills Hub (Mills Library 215) for a quiet study space or connect with our team, open Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.