Exams are a fact of life for students of all ages. From elementary school spelling tests to graduate school qualifying exams, tests are used to evaluate knowledge, skills, and academic progress. While some students have an innate test-taking ability, most students can benefit from implementing study and preparation strategies aimed at earning top scores of 90% or higher on exams. With proper preparation and positive habits, earning an A grade is an achievable goal.
Getting Ready Well in Advance
One of the key strategies for exam success is starting preparation well before the test date. Cramming information the night before rarely leads to high achievement. Experts recommend beginning test review at least one week in advance. For lengthy or complex exams, preparation may need to start several weeks ahead of time. Breaking down overall study time into a schedule prevents last-minute anxiety.
For example, a student with a biology exam in two weeks could spend 30 minutes per night for 14 nights reviewing key material. Shorter but more frequent study sessions are believed to be more effective than marathon study periods. Learning is consolidated and moved into long-term memory during rest periods between study sessions.
Understanding the Test Format
Every exam has its own unique format and requirements. Before launching into study mode, smart students familiarize themselves with the test design. Important factors include:
- Type of questions (multiple choice, fill-in, essay/short answer)
- Number of questions/problems
- Concepts and skills being assessed
- Time limits for sections
- Open or closed book status
- Calculators permitted or not
Knowing what to expect allows for focused preparation tailored to the exam. Reviewing previous exams if possible also provides valuable insight. Students may even practice by taking sample tests or creating their own questions.
Targeting Weak Areas
While overall content review is necessary, test takers aiming for 90% or higher know how to identify and boost weak areas. Making a list of personal trouble spots guides efficient use of study time. If mathematical word problems are challenging, those skills deserve dedicated practice. Struggling with chromosome structure? Focus biology review there. Shaky on subject-verb agreement rules? Hone that grammar.
Students should not ignore strengths either though. It helps reinforce mastery. But emphasizing weak zones raises the overall average. Having the self-awareness to target both weaknesses and strengths is a difference maker for A+ exam results.
Learning Actively
Passive studying via re-reading notes or textbooks often yields poor retention and exam performance. Active learning is better, involving techniques like:
- Summarizing key ideas
- Creating visual concept maps
- Using flashcards for terminology and facts
- Working practice problems or sample tests
- Explaining concepts out loud to self or others
- Connecting new material to prior knowledge
Active studying embeds information deeply through mental processing and linking. It provides recognition and recall practice to aid high-scoring exam responses. Mixing up techniques also adds variety and engagement to study sessions.
Seeking Help When Needed
Even well-prepared students can benefit from peer support or expert guidance. Study groups promote collaboration, allowing members to clarify tricky material. Tutors can provide individualized help as well. Students should also be proactive in consulting their teachers with any concepts they are shaky on even before exam review begins. Identifying and closing gaps in knowledge boosts readiness. No student aiming for over 90% should hesitate to utilize available learning assistance.
Avoiding Exam Day Surprises
On exam day, unpleasant surprises disrupt performance. Savvy test takers plan ahead to prevent problems:
- Arriving early with needed tools (pencils, calculators)
- Getting good rest and nutrition the night before
- Wearing a watch to monitor time
- Bringing snacks/drinks if permitted
- Using relaxation techniques to ease anxiety
- Reading directions carefully before starting
- Resisting peer pressure to rush or cheat
- Double checking work before turning in exam
Proper preparation prevents poor pressure on test day. Handling logistics and staying calm allows students to prove their peak potential.
Implementing smart study strategies well in advance, targeting weak areas, learning actively, seeking help when appropriate, and avoiding exam day surprises are proven methods for acing tests. With determination and preparation, students of all ability levels can achieve scores of 90-100%. When steps are taken to remove obstacles and build skills, earning top grades on exams is an attainable reality.
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