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Exams 101

Mentorship & Academic Program

Kylie Cole, Ayush Saha, Yousef Awara, Dimitri Hanias

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What is MAP Mentorship?

Mentorship & Academic Program

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MENTORSHIP

Students Supporting Students

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Lab Tours/Workshops

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Bridging

the Gap Gala

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HOW to Prepare

for Exams!

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  • Note-taking / Rewriting notes
  • Flash Cards
  • AI (Artificial Intelligence)
  • Group / Partner studying
  • Practice Questions / Practice Tests
  • Spaced Repetition
  • Teaching / Explaining
  • Visual Learning

Study Methods

Different study methods work for different people!

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    • You are not a scribe
      • Focus on writing key points only
    • Use headings, bullet points, examples
    • Use highlighter/colors
      • Make a key
    • ABBREVIATE your words
    • ASK questions

Note-Taking

If you don’t already do this - START HERE!

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Examples

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Rewriting Notes

Yes or no?? … Very COMMON but NOT very EFFECTIVE

    • Copying/rewriting notes = passive
      • Can feel productive without

improving memory

    • Try to recall notes from memory
      • Say concepts out loud w/o looking
      • Then check what you got/missed

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    • Definitions
    • Terms
    • Processes/Steps
    • Look at the question → try to recall the answer first
    • Don’t just “recognize” it
    • Set aside cards you know and study the harder ones

Flashcards

Great for memorization-based content

Anki

Repetition is key!

Quizlet

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Helpful in making:

    • Flashcards
    • Practice questions/tests
    • Marking your own work

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Harmful in:

    • Oversimplified/INCORRECT info
    • Easy to rely on (↓ critical thinking)

AI Assistance

While AI can be HARMFUL, it can also be very HELPFUL

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  • Can upload any source
  • Generates:
    • Quizzes
    • Flashcards
    • Mind Maps
    • Data Tables
    • Infographics
  • Chat with your notes/doc

AI Assistance

Google Notebook

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Helpful:

  • Teach/explain to each other 
  • Quiz each other 
  • Fill in gaps in understanding 
  • Share different ways of thinking 

Harmful:

        • Easy to get distracted 
  • Can turn into social time!!!

Group / Partner Studying

Can be helpful – if used effectively!

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DIY Practice Questions

Out of practice sheets from your teacher? Make your own!

  • Turn your notes into questions
  • Try to mimic exam-style questions (can ask AI for help!!)
  • Answer them WITHOUT looking at your notes
  • Check and correct your answers
  • Ask your teacher/prof for resources

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Spaced Repetition

NO CRAMMING ALLOWED

  • Review material over multiple days
  • Revisit topics just as you’re starting to forget
  • Focus more on harder content!
  • Short, repeated sessions > one long session

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TAKE BREAKS – IT IS HEALTHY!!!

Sitting for so long is BAD for you!

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Teaching / Explaining

Teach someone else what you are learning

  • Try teaching the concept to a friend
  • Explain it out loud in your own words
    • You are more likely to remember something if you say it out loud
  • Practice ability to simplify concepts!
  • Identify gaps in your understanding

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Visual Learning

(also auditory, reading/writing, kinesthetic)

  • Make your studying more visual!!
  • Use diagrams, charts, mind maps
  • Write things out on a whiteboard
  • Create summary sheets or posters
  • Use colors to organize information

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Test-Taking:

Simple Tips & Tricks

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  • GET SLEEP (REALLY!)
  • Eat Breakfast (or eat SOMETHING)
  • Arrive Early
  • Light Review (NOT intense)
  • If you know the exam structure, plan your timing
  • Plan outfit/pack necessities the night before
    • FUN Fact: Context matter!
    • Memory is influenced by your environment

Before the Exam

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  • ALWAYS put identifying info (name, ID etc.) & READ instructions FIRST
  • Start with what you know
    • Don’t get stuck 🡪 move on and come back later!
    • If you start to panic, take a minute to reset
    • If you like to fidget, wear a bracelet/ring
    • Use time checks (wear a watch)
    • Use highlighters/color

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During the Exam

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  • PREDICT the answer before seeing options
  • First instinct is often correct
  • Process of elimination
    • Typically, one will be DEFINITELY wrong
  • If you are unsure, go back later
    • May be hints in other questions
  • Extreme answers are less likely to be correct
    • “Always” or “Never”

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Multiple Choice

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  • Read the question CAREFULLY
    • Watch for keywords!
  • Structure your answer FIRST
    • Use point form to plan
  • Show your thinking!!
    • Even if you don’t know the answer, write down things you think may be relevant!
  • Pay attention to point value
    • This helps you know how much to write

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Short/Long Answer

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Feedback Form:

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Email us at:

mapmentorship@outlook.com

Instagram: @mapmentorship

THANK YOU

FOR COMING!