Week 8, Fall 2023: Test Taking Strategies

ACE Study Tip of the Week

Every Day:

Spend a few minutes going over daily notes

• Use a two-column system for taking notes (Cornell)
• Constantly paraphrase as you read: “Oh, I see, she’s saying ___.”
• Stop at paragraph or section ends - highlight or write a brief note.
• Focus on charts, diagrams, and outlines, especially in the sciences.
• If textbooks are difficult, buy a review book or look online for a summary of the material.
• Space out study sessions. You learn more when studying a topic for a short period on three separate occasions rather than studying for a longer period just once.

Don’t Just Memorize:

• Paraphrase ideas and relate one idea to another
• Study with others
• Focus on examples, as they help to comprehend complex ideas
• Visualize information if you can
• Actively look for areas of confusion. Talk with professors and T.A.’s after class.

Decide What to Learn:

• Narrow your focus. When trying to learn everything it can be too much.
• Ask yourself what you would test if you were the professor.
• Pay close attention to: study guides, review sessions, topics mentioned in the class before exams, material written on the board or overhead.
• Ask other students what they think will be on the exam. Talk to the professor.

Review Tools:

• Develop summary sheets, charts, or diagrams to help review. Be brief.
• Use flashcards sparingly.

Good luck,

Audrey Zenner
Academic Center for Excellence (ACE)
zeesa@uic.edu
312.413.0031