PREPARING FOR MIDTERMS University Counseling Center Study Skills Seminar Memorial Hall, First Floor UNIVERSITY COUNSELING CENTER (UCC) Memorial Hall 102 Mon.-Thurs. 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (309) 298-2453 www.ucc.wiu.edu UCC SERVICES o Individual Counseling o Group Counseling o Career Counseling o Academic or learning skills assistance o Outreach Programming o Academic Instruction oAssessments Psychological Vocational Learning Disabilities Standardized tests oConsultation oTraining of Graduate Students/ Interns TODAY’S PROGRAM Preparing for Midterms ARE YOU STUDYING IN A GOOD STUDYING ENVIRONMENT? Make two columns on a sheet of paper 1st Column: WHAT ENVIRONMENTS DO YOU STUDY IN? 2nd Column: WHAT ENVIRONMENT SHOULD YOU STUDY IN? Why is it important to study in a good study environment? PREPARING TO STUDY Plan Ahead (beginning of semester) Check syllabus to convert over to personal calendar Create weekly/monthly schedule to remind of important due dates (e.g., reading assignments, homework, tests) Create daily schedule to remind of study times Determine what materials are needed (e.g., textbooks, notebooks, laptop, etc.) Meet with professor to discuss questions (at least 1 week prior to exam) What to expect on test? What types of questions are on the test? What are the take-home points? What should I be looking at/studying the most? What materials will be covered on the test PREP TIME BEFORE THE TEST Make a list of what you have left to do (chapters to read, assignments to complete) Make a schedule • Figure out how much time you have left before each exam, figure out how much studying you have to do, make a schedule for studying— (write it down) Meet with classmates (at least 2 days before exam) Compare notes Discuss understandings and confusions with material MIDTERM STUDY TIPS Take one exam at a time FLASHCARDS! Especially for tests with a lot of vocabulary Go through bold headings and summaries at the end of all chapters included on the midterm Read through notes several times Use Mnemonic Devices to memorize lists or important facts Examples? Fill out any study guides the professor may hand out! PREPARING FOR EXAM WEEK Developing Appropriate Attitude Convince yourself you can do well on the test (otherwise, self-fulfilling prophecy—if you convince yourself you can’t do something, then you won’t be able to) Take time to breathe and relax Realize that no matter how you perform, you have a second opportunity with finals PREPARING FOR EXAM WEEK CONT. Keep yourself healthy Budget your time wisely for both studying AND sleep (aim for 6-8 hrs.) All nighters are NOT good—hard to retain information Take a nap, then allow enough time to recuperate (maybe go for a walk)—don’t forget to set your alarm clock!! Take time for yourself before going to bed (e.g., listen to music, take a walk); something to refresh your battery Eat healthy food/snacks in moderation (being too full can slow down your mind) Stay clear of excessive caffeine!! Use in moderation, if at all. If you normally drink coffee (or any other caffeine) stay on normal amount, but if you don’t usually drink any don’t start now! WATER is a great alternative! Make time for physical exercise, but not right before going to bed. Use relaxation techniques – Deep breathing, stretching, or yoga can help ward off anxiety and stress. Night before—pasta meal—carbs= brain food! THE BIG DAY: EXAM DAY Get to the test site early (10-15 minutes early) to allot enough time to be prepared/find a seat—don’t get there so early that you have too much time to let anxiety build up Wear comfortable clothing Stay hydrated—brain will work better Don’t eat a lot right before an exam (small portions)– if you eat a big meal before the test your body will supply more blood to your stomach to digest instead of sending it to your brain Relax – do stretches in your seat Psych yourself up EXAM DAY CONTINUED Write any mnemonic devices on your test – as soon as you are allowed to start, write out a few lists you’ve memorized in the margins of your test so you can use them later Read the instructions carefully Budget your time – make sure that when the class is half over, you are at least half way done with the test. If one question is too hard, skip it and come back later Look for answers/clues in the question or in other questions Don’t let mental blocks stop you – If a question has you stumped, move on. Make educated guesses—try not to leave questions blank Always check over your answers! If you have time run through the entire test (make sure ovals are filled) to avoid careless mistakes TAKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF TESTS Multiple Choice Answer the easy questions first – you can cycle through and answer the more and more difficult ones later. Read the question and the possible answers carefully – make sure you understand the question (is it a negative question “which answer is wrong?”) and don’t just go for the first answer that seems right – sometimes the alternatives only differ by one or two words Guess if you need to. Eliminate the answers you know are wrong. TAKING DIFFERENT TYPES OF TESTS CONT. Essay Make a mental outline or write one down on scratch paper. It’s usually good to make one major point per paragraph. Make sure your answer is clear and concise; don’t say the same thing over and over by slightly rewording sentences. Incorporate your own insights and give examples to support the essay response. THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK!