Study Tips for Passing the Board Exam

For many people, taking a test ranks as one of the most stressful experiences they can imagine--especially if that test is an important board exam. Increase your likelihood of success and pass the board exam by following these study tips.

1. Research strategies for the type of test you will be taking. From multiple choice to essay to true/false, every format tests you on specific knowledge and has its own strategy. Learn what strategy you are to use and you will know what to expect. 

2. Break your material into sections. Cramming the night before never works because it accesses only your short-term memory. In turn, this leaves gaps in your knowledge that only grow wider the more nervous and stressed you become. Begin studying topic by topic a few weeks before the test to ingrain the knowledge into your long-term memory.

3. Study in a comfortable place with good lighting. No, this does not mean your bed; it's too tempting to lie down and take a nap. The library is usually the best atmosphere for serious studying.

4. Give your mind frequent breaks. Your memory retains information that you study at the beginning and end better than what you study in the middle.

5. Listen to classical music to lessen the boredom and keep you concentrated.

6. Create a study group, but only with others who are serious about the test.

7. Focus on true understanding rather than rote memorization. This will serve you especially well if the end of the year test is cumulative.

8. Test yourself or have someone else test you to find out weak areas or gaps in knowledge. Practice tests are a great way to get you into test-taking mode before the real thing.

9. Study when you are most alert. For morning people, early morning study sessions are the most productive, while others are more alert at night.

10. Relax. Find time to socialize with friends or watch a favorite movie. Don't let the test consume you and become your life.