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Give Me an "A"

By: Courtney Bruner/ Online Reporter

Posted: 4/25/08

As everyone is well aware, exams are coming up sooner than most of us want. In order to get that "A" you've been dreaming about, here are ten tips to help you get the grade.

1. STUDY!! As common as this may seem, if you want to get that grade you have to study. Look over notes and reread material in your book. If you have optional study guides, do them. They might even have answers on the exam from the sheet.

2. Look over all the questions before you answer them. This is especially for those timed tests. Answer the questions you know for sure first and then go back to the questions you are having trouble with. It will give you more time to think over the ones you are unsure about, and it helps you get more done in a short amount of time.

3. READ the directions. Make sure the directions for your exam don't trick you. You don't want to be marked off points for something you didn't do in the directions.

4. Get a study group together. Maybe you missed something in your notes that one of your classmates has. Get together to review material. Together you might be able to figure out what will be on the exam. It can even be fun!

5. Study ahead of time. Cramming does not help. I'm sorry, but staying up all night to cram in that last bit of work will not help you remember. Study a little bit at a time ahead of the day your exam is. Spend the last night clarifying anything you might have misunderstood.

6. Watch out for the "all of the above" questions. Most people would love not to see this question on a test especially if it has the "none of the above" answer below it. Read the entire question carefully. Make sure you know exactly what the question is asking before you answer.

7. Show up to the exam early. Do not show up late. Try to show up a few minutes early before your exam. Look at last minute notes and try to cool down before you have the exam.

8. Ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask your professor. Most professors will answer your questions up until the exam. Get anything straight that you are unsure about and need help on. If you can't get a hold of your professor, ask someone form your class. They might be able to help, too.

9. Make sure you have everything. Do you have everything you need like pencils, erasers, notes, books (if you are allowed to use them) and anything else you might need for the test? Get everything ahead of time so you won't be quite as stressed when the test comes, you will be less likely to forget something.

10. Relax. Try not to stress out to much. Drink plenty of water and take deep breaths. It will help you relieve tension and allow you to focus more on you tasks. Try a stress ball, too, if that helps.

Good Luck to all and have a great summer!