This guide will provide general tips and techniques to help you with studying and test preparation. There is lots of information here, but experiment and find a method that works best for you. What works for one class may not work in another class.

If you are struggling with studying for exams, reach out to your professor, tutors, or the Assistant Dean in your school.

• Find your ideal study space. Distraction-free is best. Examples are:
  • A private study carrel in the Library
  • Reserving a study room in the Library
  • The Quiet Study Area (Room 115) on the lower level of the Library
  • Other academic buildings such as the lower level of Campus Ministry, study rooms in the BCC, etc.
• Break content into smaller chunks to avoid cramming.
• Plan out your study time. Avoid procrastination.
• Take breaks so your brain can process the information and avoid burnout.
• Ask your teacher questions about the test format or what type of content will be on it.
• Arrive early/on time for the test day.
• Try studying with a group to quiz each other, talk through the material, etc.
• Make an outline for essays on a test.
• Eat healthy meals and get a good night's sleep.

• Gather supplies
  • Make use of notebooks, highlighters, colorful pens, post-it notes, index cards, white boards.
    • Need a whiteboard? There are tons of large ones on all three floors of the Library. Plus you can borrow smaller ones from the Library Services & Information Desk. Markers, erasers, and cleaning spray are also available upon request at the desk.
• Quizlet
  • Make flashcards anywhere
  • Active recall and reinforcing information
  • Other features include Learn, Write, Spell, Match, and Gravity to learn and reinforce the information
• Five-Day Plan
  • Outlines a long term approach to retaining information for tests
  • Tracks what you study and when
  • Breaks big tasks into smaller ones
  • Prevents cramming and provides flexibility
  • Long term retention of information
  • Identifies areas you need to prepare and ensures you know the material
• Make your own study guides
  • Turn headings into questions from readings and lectures
  • Make your own questions
  • Use the syllabus to identify information to study and materials to utilize.
  • Write in question format or use the SQR3 Method
• Pomodoro Method
  • Encourages short bursts of manageable chunks of work with breaks built in between.
  • With this method, you work for 25-minutes sessions separated by five-minute breaks. After every four or five Pomodoros (think of these as work sessions), you indulge in a more extended break for 15-20 minutes.
• Study for different types of tests
  • Objective Test (Multiple Choice or True/False)
    • Study Materials: Quizlet, study guides, flashcards, etc.
  • Subjective / Essay Test
    • Brainstorm topics
    • Write out the answers you would give
    • Make outlines and focus on learning the definitions of keywords

Test anxiety is extremely common. Here are some ways to help alleviate it:

• Prepare in advance so your brain and confidence have time to strengthen with the material
  • The more days you study ahead of the exam, the less pressure you need to exert on yourself at one time.
  • Splitting up your study responsibilities over multiple days allows your brain time to process the information.
• Come up with a positive, self-motivating statement
  • A simple phrase that makes you feel good about yourself and encourages you can help you get through moments of doubt or panic during an exam. Instead of thinking negatively when you aren’t sure of an answer or are feeling overwhelmed, say this positive statement. Examples include:
    • I can do this.
    • I am good enough.
    • I am going to do the best I can and that is good.
    • I am capable of succeeding.
    • I have worked hard for this.
• Try to calm the body
  • If your body begins to tense up and you are feeling stressed during the exam, take a minute for yourself. Taking a minute to bring yourself out of your head and back into the room is important in refocusing your energy. Try this:
    1. Put your pencil down.
    2. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths.
    3. Inhale while counting to three.
    4. Hold your breath while counting to three.
    5. Exhale while counting to three.
    6. Do this until you can bring yourself back down to a point where you can productively continue the exam.
• Plan something relaxing for yourself after the exam
  • While there are always multiple assignments and responsibilities, it is important to do something peaceful or relaxing after a spike in anxiety and stress. After all, you've earned it!
  • Taking a walk around campus, grabbing coffee with a friend, taking a nap, reading or playing a game... these are all easy ways to relax and provide yourself and your brain some time to decompress.

• The Math Center  (located in the Library)
• The Science Center (located in the Library)
• The Writing Center (located in the Library)
• Peer tutoring in other subjects
  • Should be shared in class, via email from your school/program, or on Life@Fairfield
• Office Hours with your professors
  • Utilize these, which are listed on each syllabus, so that you can ask questions and feel confident in your grasp of the material
• Schedule an appointment with a Research Librarian
• Reserve a Study Room at the Library
• Reach out to Counseling & Psychological Services