Organization Ideas "First of all, I recommend that you get a good night's sleep. Get up with time to spare. Shower, shampoo, have a good breakfast or lunch. Go to the examination early. Be confident about it. Second, I'd say that when you're studying, organize material for more effective memorizing. Usually professors have organized material -- such things as seven elements, eight causes, six results. Always use their organization. If they have not done this, then you must impose your own organization. It is easier to remember four headings with eight elements under each than to remember thirty single elements. So even if your headings have to be artificial, just use anything that's going to help you remember all the material. And last, do not over study. Whenever students draw blanks during an exam its because they have over studied. Study just long enough to be able to repeat to yourself once most of the material. Then go on to something else. Perhaps later return to the previous material to see if you have still retained it."

- By Ron Reinig

Last Minute Preparation "If you've dug an academic hole for yourself, don't panic. Although, little except prayers and luck can help students who never go to class or crack a book all semester, there's one helpful technique for students who have fallen behind at mid-terms and finals. CRAM. First, pick the most important subjects from your material. Don't try to lightly know everything. Spend 25 percent of your time cramming and 75% drilling yourself. The key to cramming is memorization. Recite. Repeat. Then relax. Although cramming can't replace learning, it's counter-productive to scold yourself for not studying more effectively. Learn from your mistake. Think of cramming only as the lifeboat that bailed out a sinking ship."

- By Judy Reynolds

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