Step 1 - Know what is expected
Know the exam format, topics, and weight of the grade towards your final grade. This information will determine your methods of studying, as well as how long you will study.

Step 2- Using a top- down approach
Develop a list of major topics covered from your course outline, notes, textbook, lab reports, and other assignments. Divide each major topic into sub-topics. This will give you an outline of everything you need to study.

Step 3 - Create summary sheets
Now take your outline and create a detailed summary of each major topic. Use a key word or phrases that can help you remember the entire concept. Write down all the information you think you need to know about this concept but do not re-write your entire notes. You only want words that will jog your memory. However, be sure to include definitions, vocabulary, calculations and any points emphasized in class, a list of items from a paragraph in your reading. After completing this process you will have complete set of study notes contained in your summary sheets.

Step 4 - Generate questions and answer
After preparing your summary sheets, test questions that your professor could ask you should jump out at you. It is not necessary to write down these answers. Try reciting the answers out loud. You will quickly find out what you know and what material you need to spend more time reviewing.
           - for math and science courses
All the steps above apply, but you will not be able to rely solely on reciting answers to your generated questions. You will need to keep details of the steps to follow when solving each type of problem, and practice solving (writing out) sample questions and problems for each concept.

Exam Study Tips

1. Be prepared.
It may sound obvious but it is the best advice which often goes unheeded.

2. Do your homework.
It gives you practice and ensures that you are learning the work as it is taught.

3. Review regularly.
If you spend a few minutes regularly reviewing your notes, when it comes time to prepare for a test it will be a review process not a learning process.

4. Ask for help.
There are many people available to help. You may ask a classmate, a teaching assistant, the Academic & Career Counsellor, a tutor, and of course, your professor. Make it a habit when you discover that you don’t understand something not to leave finding out the answer until the night before the test.

5. Understand vs. memorize.
You may pass your exams through memorization but your grades will improve greatly if you understand the material you are memorizing. You will also find it easier to understand.

6. Review old exams.
They can be helpful but don’t make them your only study tool. You may ask a student that you know took the course last year for a copy of the old exam or visit the SAC in the University Centre and ask to their old exams.

7. Attend end of term classes.
Of course, you should not miss any class but there is much valuable information offered especially in the last few classes of term. Professors often provide course reviews and offer potential exam questions.

8. Review in a group.
Brainstorming possible test questions, comparing notes, and testing one another can be very helpful in a group. However, you still need to spend quality individual time for preparing for the test.

9. Don’t study too long.
A marathon study session will only fatigue you. Remember your brain is a muscle. You will learn more if your study periods are short, frequent and include regular short breaks.

10. Be healthy.
Remember test and exam periods are stressful times. Make sure you get plenty of sleep, eat well and find some time to relax.