Thoughts on Thursday: That First Test

Welcome to Thoughts on Thursday! Every week, this section will feature helpful tips on keeping up with classwork, assignments, and life as a college student.

Well folks, it's about that time. You're professors are planning review sessions, and your friends are freaking out...it's time for your first test as a college student.

Regardless of whether or not your professor has given you your first test date, if you haven't started studying by now, you're probably not in good shape. I know your mother has probably already told you this, and I also know that you probably didn't believe her. However, I'm speaking with the perspective of a college senior who has been down the procrastination road a time or two. I know that you're busy, but you have to start studying early for tests. Even if you just work a few practice problems or skim your textbooks every night, make sure that you're constantly being exposed to class material.

A few other things to keep in mind while preparing for that first test:

• Don't be afraid! You took tons of tests in high school, and the fact that you are an Honors student means that you probably did pretty well on them. If you've gotten this far, you certainly have the ability to succeed in the realm of college academics.
• College tests will most likely cover more material than your high school tests did. This is one of the reasons it's so important to study throughout the semester (not just the night before the test).
• Listen closely for professors to give hints. Many professors will point out information that will be on their tests, so you need to be listening for these hints during class.
• If there is a review session, go to it! Not only will going to review sessions help you to review relevant material, but many professors will also give additional hints at review sessions about what will be on their tests.
• Never be afraid to ask for help. If you don't understand some part of the material that a professor covered in class, ask for help! One great way to get help is to go to office hours (professors LOVE students who do this...you may even be able to pry a few additional test hints from you professors during office hours). Of course, you can also ask a friend. It doesn't matter how you get help, just do it!
• Remember that college courses build on each other. So you're great at cramming, and you're determined to ignore the advice that I've presented here? That's great. Let me know how cramming for Calculus I worked out for you when you get to Calculus II (or Calculus III, or Differential Equations, or etc. etc.).

Hopefully some of this advice will be useful to you. Good luck!