For many high school and college students the very thought of a final exam starts to turn their stomach in knots. Why do students worry and sometimes fear exams. Several reasons cause this and most students have different reasons for feeling the pressures that go along with trying to live up to expectations or early success. Over the years I have helped many students including myself become successful test takers and have also helped many others stay successful with study and time management tips.

Getting organized is a key ingredient to being successful whether in school, college, business or life. An easy way to do this is to create a to do list with the most important things to be accomplished that day. Do this either the night before or at the very start of your day. It is very important to limit the items on your to do list to a maximum of five items. Anything more than five will be a waste of your time. Secondly, Fill in the time gaps. If you have twenty minutes or a half an hour try to get some reading done during that time.

At the end of the day during those gaps in your schedule review your notes that were taken that day. Re-write anything that does not make sense or in need of further clarification. Taking time everyday to review your notes will help you learn the material and will decrease the amount of time you will need when exam review times comes.

Learn to say no once in a while. Being a good student does require you to make some sacrifices and if that means not working that extra shift or going to the mall with friends then so be it. I certainly don’t suggest constantly studying and staying home put rather prioritize. If you have a big exam coming up put your test preparation at the top of your list.

This next step is a very important step and not every student will have the same answer. Figure out when you are the most productive throughout the day and evening and study during those times. I was a person who always functioned the best at night so when I studied I always studied at night. If your a morning person or like a little afternoon delight than focus your studying around those times.