When going to school many students have a fear of testing taking.  It always seems like you know the material until you look at the test.  Everyone gets to that point where you blank out and forget everything.  There are many ways to avoid the fear of test taking.  Start feeling more confident and comfortable when taking a test.  If you put in the time to study it’s only fair to do well right?  Below is a list of ideas that may help you earn the grades you want on a test:

• Take good notes.  When you know you have a test coming up try and pay extra attention to the professors lectures.  Take time to listen and right good notes.  Most professors try and stress the important facts when lecturing.  I’m sure you’ve all heard “I already know this information I’m saying it for you guys to learn.”  Professors often get frustrated when their students don’t listen to lectures and do poorly on their tests.  Take the time to listen and take good notes!
• Keep your notes and handouts organized.  Try organizing your handouts and notes by date.  It will be easy to find when you are looking for a certain paper.  Your work will go all in order instead of just a mess or papers.  It’s easier to start studying at the beginning of the chapter than in the middle or end.
• Study with your friends.  Make studying more fun not miserable.  Get some friends together from class and help each other study.  Many students pick up different points easier than others.  If you all know something about the chapter combine your thoughts and learn from each other.  Find a good place to study and reward yourselves when you’re done.
• Do the chapter reviews.  Students often get lazy and don’t do the chapter reviews at the end of the chapter.  These questions will most likely be on your test, take advantage!
• Don’t be afraid to ask your professor questions.  Make sure you understand everything about the upcoming test.  Make sure everything is clear and you know what to study. 
• Look over the handouts.  Reread the papers your professor gives you.  If they are handouts made by them that’s even better.  They took the time to right out their own paper, so it must be important information for the test.
• Study in a quiet environment.  Be sure that when you’re studying you can concentrate.  If there are distractions around get away from them.  People say that when you study at a table/desk you learn better because you have the same atmosphere as a classroom.  Don’t lie down and study, watch TV, or carry conversations when studying.  Make sure you focus.

There are many different ways to study, everyone has their own.  Find a way that fits your lifestyle best.  Do whatever you can to do well on those tests and exams.  Nothing feels better than getting an A on a test because you know that you earned it.  It makes all that time studying more rewarding all of a sudden.  Now you’re even closer to get better grades and a career!