Studying for a Test in Three Days

Tips On Studying for a Test in Just Three Days

Studying for a test three nights before
Getty Images | Lan Qu


So, chances are good that if you have landed on this page that you have a test or exam coming up, and studying for a test is on your mind. Great! Let's get you a good score, okay? Thankfully, you have given yourself a little bit of time before the test, so you don't have to rely on cramming, which some of your buddies in class are going to be doing just minutes before they sit for the exam. Studying for a test, even in just three days, can be really easy and can get you a fabulous score if you are willing to put in a little bit of time to learn the best ways to prepare yourself.

Read on for the details!

Studying for a Test Day 1: Ask, Organize and Make Flashcards

In School:

  1. Ask your teacher what type of test it will be. Multiple choice? Essay? Knowing the type of test will make a difference in how you prepare because the level of knowledge you need is quite different based on whether or not you have to select the correct answer or provide the correct answer from memory while comparing and contrasting it with other ideas. See what I mean? Ask. 
  2. Ask your teacher for a review sheet if he/she hasn't already given you one. That study guide gives you the test content and it is your new best friend. 
  3. Get a study partner set up for the night before the test if possible – even via phone/text/Facetime.
  4. Take home your notes, old quizzes, textbook, assignments and handouts from the unit being tested.

    At Home:

    1. Organize your notes. Rewrite or type them up so they're legible, or easily readable. Organize your handouts according to dates so they make sense. Make note of anything you're missing. (Where's the vocab quiz from chapter 2?)
    2. Review the material you have. Go through the review sheet to find out what you're supposed to know. Read through your quizzes/handouts/notes and study questions from your book's chapters.
    1. Make flashcards with a question/term/vocab word on the front of the card, and the answer on the back.
    2. Stay focused!

    Studying for a Test Day 2: Memorize

    In School:

    1. Clarify anything you didn't totally understand with your teacher. Ask for missing items (that vocab quiz from chapter 2).
    2. Ask if there will be a review before the test tomorrow.
    3. Confirm study date for tomorrow night.

    At Home:

    1. Set a timer for 45 minutes, and memorize everything on the review sheet that you don't already know using mnemonic devices like acronyms or singing a song. Take a five-minute break when the timer goes off, and get started again for another 45-minutes. Repeat until you fill confident in your knowledge of the material.
    2. Put your flashcards in your backpack for review tomorrow.

    Studying for a Test Day 3: Study and Quiz

    In School:

    1. Throughout the day, pull your flashcards out and ask yourself questions (when you're waiting for class to start, at lunch, during study hall, etc.)
    2. If your teacher is having an exam review today, pay close attention and write down anything you didn't learn the night before. If the teacher mentions it today – it's on the test, guaranteed!
    3. Confirm study date with a friend for this evening.

    At Home:

    1. Ten-twenty minutes before your study partner (or mom) shows up to quiz you for the exam, review your flashcards. Make sure you have everything down pat.
    2. Quiz. When your study partner arrives, take turns asking possible exam questions to each other. Ask questions that require you to compare and contrast different elements in the text. Make sure you can draw conclusions and make inferences if you're having an essay test. Make sure each of you has a turn asking and answering because you'll learn the material best by doing both. Stop once you've been through the questions a few times and get a good night's sleep.

    Good luck tomorrow!!!

    5 Things To Do the Day of The Test