How to Study

8. How many points will be assigned to each question? 
9. Will certain sections of the test count more than others? 
10. Will it be an open-book exam? 
11. What can I take in with me? Calculator? Candy bar? 
Other material crucial to my success? 
12. Will I be penalized for wrong answers? 
Hit the Road, Jack
To shake off pretest anxiety, take a walk or a vigorous swim. In the
days before an exam, no matter how “big” it is, don’t study too hard
or too much, or you’ll walk into the exam with a fried brain.
You’ve already found that scheduling breaks during your study 
routine makes it easier for you to focus on your books and complete
your assignments faster and with more concentration. Scheduling
breaks during test preparation has the same effect.
No matter what the time limits or pressures, don’t feel you cannot
afford such a brief respite. You may need it most when you’re 
convinced you can least afford it, just as those who most need time-
management techniques “just don’t have the time” to learn them.
Relax Already
If your mind is a jumble of facts and figures, names and dates, you
may find it difficult to zero in on the specific details you need to recall,
even if you know all the material backwards and forwards. The adren-
aline rushing through your system may just make “instant retrieval”
impossible.
Chapter 8
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How to Study for Tests
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The simplest relaxation technique is deep breathing. Lean back in your
chair, relax your muscles, and take three very deep breaths (count to
10 while you hold each one).
There are a variety of meditation techniques that may also work for
you. Each is based on a similar principle— focusing your mind on one
thing to the exclusion of everything else. While you’re concentrating
on the object of your meditation (even if the object is nothing, a non-
sense word, or a spot on the wall), your mind can’t be thinking about
anything else, which allows it to slow down a bit.
The next time you can’t focus, try sitting back, taking three deep
breaths, and concentrating for a minute or two on the word “Ron.”
When you’re done, you should be in a far more relaxed state and
ready to tackle any test.