Help for the Panicked!!!

I'm convinced now that Dr. Laurie Rozakis of Farmingdale State College of Farmingdale, NY, is the GURU of test-taking. I was just enjoying her book Test-Taking Strategies & Study Skills for the Utterly Confused (copyright 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc), which, fortunately for us we have available as an e-book through NetLibrary, when our public services librarian Karen Preslock walked up and handed me Dr. Rozakis' Super Study Skills: the Ultimate Guide to Tests and Studying (copyright 2002 by Scholastic, Inc), which we have on Reserve. Super Study Skills seems to be aimed more toward middle and high schoolers and has a lot of general study tips, while Test-Taking Strategies is more appropriate for the college student concerned about finals (we don't know any of those, do we?). Both have some great advice that you can use to make the best of your exams.

In both books, Dr. Rozakis offers a Power Study Plan, which I love. Yesterday I posted the final exam schedule. Did you think that was when your exams started? No, your exam starts NOW--when you start preparing for it. Making a plan can help you make the most of your study time (and, we hope, eliminate the need for the classic all-nighter before the final).

Step one of the Power Study Plan starts four days before the test. Reread your notes and the textbook.

Step two is done three days before the test. Skim your notes and the text, and recite the important points aloud. (It really does help to say the words and listen to yourself say them. I might not even shush you for it! Just don't do it so loudly you disturb the other students, please).

Step three: Two days before the test, recite the key points without looking at your notes, and then check to make sure you're right.

Step four: Finals Eve! Dr. Rozakis suggests you make a sample test and answer the questions, or have someone quiz you. Skim your notes and the text again, and identify the most important points. (Lay out your clothes and supplies the night before to minimize morning stress, and get a good night's sleep)!

Step five: Test Day! If you have time before the test, skim your notes one last time. Take a deep breath and relax! I know you can do it!

Check out Dr. Rozakis' books for yourself, and remember to ask us if you need help. Good luck!