Summative/Exam Preparation

Thanks to Ms. Séguin, here are some excellent tips to help you prepare for exams. We wish you all the best as you study for your exams and would like to remind you that the library is for silent study only.

Avoid Procrastination

1. Make realistic goals.
2. Use a calendar with time blocks.
3. Reward yourself when successfully completing tasks.
4. Set up a good study space.
5. Figure out what motivates you! Use it.

Time Management

1. Use a large piece of paper and make a calendar of time before the exam. Prioritize study time.
2. Get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task.

Approaching Exam Day 

1. Get a good night's sleep.
2. Eat breakfast.
3. Don't cram in the hour before the exam.
4. Come prepared : know what you are allowed to bring.

Anticipating Exam Content 

1. Pay attention to study guides and review lists
2. Pay attention in review periods to topics that the teacher focuses on!
3. Generate a list of possible questions from each unit.
4. Re-do the unit tests.
5. Confer with other students in different sections of the course.

Tips to Better Exam Writing 

1. Read over the entire exam before you begin.
2. Read all directions and questions carefully.
3. Do the easy questions first to give you confidence. Then do the harder questions.
4. Complete the short answer questions early on.
5. Read over all your answers; resist the urge to leave as soon as you are finished.
6. Don't leave any answers blank.

Stress Management

First, recongnize stress: exhaustion, headaches, sleeplessness and oversleeping, loss of/increased appetite, crying. Stress management is the ability to maintain control when situations, people and events make exessive demands.

Tips on Managing Stress During Exams

1. Set realistic goals for yourself.
2. Take regular breaks.
3. Don't sweat the small stuff.
4. Learn how to best relax yourself.
5. Meditation and breathing exercises have been proven to be very effective in controlling stress. Practice clearing your mind of disturbing thoughts.
6. Avoid extreme reactions.
7. Get enough sleep.
8. Work off stress with physical activity.
9. Avoid self medication or escape.