Prepare for an exam

Find out what you can answer from memory, spend your time on the gaps that matter, and plan around the time you have.

Start here

Try three questions with your notes closed

Pick three questions from a review sheet, a recent assignment, or the learning objectives. Give yourself 10 minutes to answer without looking, then check your answers. Circle one question you couldn’t answer and make that your next study task.

Put it into practice

  1. Check what the exam actually asks you to do

    Use the course outline or exam announcement to check the topics, format, timing, and permitted materials. Turn broad topics into things you can practise, like solving a problem, comparing two theories, or interpreting a graph. Ask the instructor or teaching assistant if the instructions are unclear.

  2. Plan around the time you have

    Look for study blocks around class, work, and travel. If you have several days, practise your hardest topics in more than one block with a gap between attempts. If the exam is tomorrow, start with one important weak spot, try a few representative questions, and set a time to stop so you can sleep.

  3. Practise in the exam format

    Solve a problem on a blank page, outline an essay from a sample question, or explain why the other multiple-choice options are wrong. Use course-provided practice questions when available. For an open-book exam, also practise finding an allowed reference quickly.

  4. Use mistakes to choose the next block

    For each mistake, write what happened in a few words, such as ‘forgot the concept’, ‘chose the wrong method’, or ‘missed a word in the question’. Review just enough to correct it, then try a similar question later without the answer in view. Bring one stubborn error to office hours or tutoring.

  5. Check the logistics before exam day

    Confirm the time, room or login, required identification, and allowed tools. If you have accommodations, check your campus booking deadline and confirm the arrangements with the appropriate office. For an online exam, test the required browser, software, and login in advance if a practice check is available.

Four days before a statistics midterm

You have 30 minutes before work today and two more blocks before the exam. A few practice questions show you can calculate a confidence interval but struggle to explain what it means. Write and check two interpretations today, answer a fresh question in the next block, then use the final block for a short mixed set.

Ask for help with a specific question

Hi [name], I’m preparing for the [course] exam on [date]. I tried [practice question] and got stuck at [specific step]. Could I bring my attempt to office hours, or is there a practice question you recommend for this step? Thank you, [your name].

Where to get help before the exam

For a course question, take your attempted solution to the instructor or teaching assistant. Search your campus site for a learning centre, peer tutoring, or academic coaching if you need help choosing what to practise. If a disability or health issue affects how you can take the exam, contact the campus accessibility or exam office early to ask about options and deadlines.

See more support options

Resources to go further