Doing well on the science exam can open doors for you. Be one of the people that make humanity understand the world better. As someone working in the science field, others look to you for solutions. This starts with effectively studying for the science exam.
1. Test yourself
Start studying for your science exam before the course. Obtain your science textbooks before the course and read them completely. Read all the chapters. Go back and read the first two chapters twice. Once to reinforce your earlier reading, a second time to focus on highlighting efforts. Base your highlighting on the learning objectives.
2. Take Notes
Write notes in every science class you take. Review every note you take until the night before the exam.
3. Take Science Lab Seriously
Take every science lab you do seriously. A science lab project gets you into the scientific mindset. You want to be in this mindset before the exam. Do your science lab like your life depended on it–even though it’s a classroom-controlled lab. Hands-on knowledge of the scientific process makes science exam taking easy.
4. Form a Study Group
Get together with your friends taking the same science class and form a study group. This group can also include other students taking another science class under the same instructor. Assign a series of chapters per person; quiz each other based on these chapters. Use your study group as an oral practice run for your science exam.
5. Mix it up
Study your text in areas where you’re not comfortable with the learning objectives. Understand that the learning objectives hint at the science exam questions. Get a full night’s rest the day before the exam. Refuse breakfast buffet invitation if your science exam is in the morning. Apply this same principle if your science exam falls in the afternoon or evening.
6. Concentration is the Key
Read your entire exam before taking it. Let your subconscious mind work on the exam while your conscious mind grapples one question at a time.
7. Study In 15-20 Minute Chunks Each Day
Study for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Don’t study more than this. You need to take a 5 minute break and NOT think about what you are studying. This gives your brain time to process what you just learned. Don’t read or watch TV during your break. Get up and walk around or get a glass of water.
8. Meet With Your Teacher For Help
Your college has a tutoring center. Use it. Many colleges will have tutors for specific subjects such as chemistry, biology, and anatomy. Go in with questions about what you read. Find out if you need to schedule an appointment or if the tutoring center has walk-in hours. Online science tutoring programs can be helpful for students.
9. Read And Summarize Textbook Chapters
If there is a review at the end of the chapter that summarizes everything for you, be sure to read it at least once or twice. This will help you pick out the areas of the text that you may need to reread.
10. Answer The Questions At The End Of Every Chapter
Answer the questions at the end of every chapter, even if they haven’t been assigned by the teacher. Review the material for the questions you got wrong. Your professor has posted office hours. Go straight to the source with a question on a topic and ask for helpful ways to study for the test. Write out potential questions that you think the professor may use on the exam. Use the headings, lists, and bolded words to write questions.