You are in a panic because the same day you have a math test, you also have major history exam. How is it possible to study for both and still make good grades?

The art of studying actually starts way before the actual scheduled test date. The best study technique happens in the classroom when you are actually learning the materials. Creating a better way at note-taking will help you more easily remember what was taught in class and the materials that you have read.

The key to good note-taking is to write down the facts that a teacher mentions or has written on the board. Don’t be afraid to ask the teacher to repeat something you miss or go over the facts again that hard to comprehend.

Studying also involves good time management skills. When it comes time to study for a test, determine how much time you need to devote to each topic. If you have a math and history test, but are better in math, you might want to devote more time studying each night for history.

Consider breaking topics into blocks or chunks. If your history test is over World War I, break it up by battles or periods of time.  Use an egg timer to schedule 45 minute blocks of time for study followed by 15 minutes for a break to reduce fatigue and help with concentration.

While studying for multiple choice exams, focus on studying the facts and details such as dates. For essay questions, consider what topics are more likely to be covered. Create practice essay topics and using the book, notes, or other references try to formulate and answer.

Make the extra effort to complete practice problems or practice questions at the end of each chapter. These practice materials are a summarization of what you should have learned from your reading and helps you to determine if you have retained the information.

Consider forming a study group with other students. Study groups are great for bouncing off ideas, understanding concepts, quizing one another, and finding new ways to study more proficiently.