If you are concerned about your score on an exam or in a class, you may want to check and see if you are following practices that lead to success. See if you can answer "yes" to each of the items below: 

1. _____ I read the assigned chapter the day before discussion over the chapter.

 

2. _____ I allow at least 1 hour for reading each assigned chapter, so that I can read it slowly and thoughtfully.

 

3. _____ I read to find our "why?" in addition to "what?" because I really want to know how to be an effective student.

 

4. _____ I attend class regularly and am rarely or never late.

 

5. _____ I sit near the front of the class, so that I feel like a participant, not merely a passive observer.

 

6. _____ I take notes on virtually everything that is said or discussed in class.

 

7. _____ I ask questions in class until the concept under discussion is clear in my mind. This also helps me feel a part of the class, instead of an observer watching others learn.

 

8. _____ I have organized a study group of 3 or 4 friends with whom I review the readings and class discussions 2 or 3 days prior to the exam.

 

9. _____ I get a good night's sleep (7 or 8 hours) prior to the day of the exam.