As a senior, I wanted to share a few tips that I wish I would have known earlier during my time at Cornell when it comes to prelim season! Just a disclaimer, I have not taken any technical science classes, such as biology or chemistry, so my tips might be more in line for humanities specific classes. That being said, I still think these tips will help regardless of what class you are preparing for.
Before proceeding, it is always a good idea to ask TAs or professors for specific advice on what successful students have done to prepare for exams (plus this will give you some more tailored advice!).
6 Tips for Prelims
- Start studying as early as possible!
- This is the most important tip in my opinion because it does 2 things: 1) helps you identify gaps in your understanding because you have enough time to review the content, 2) reduces the stress of having to cram (and you likely have other exams or assignments going on!)
- Make study guide / flashcards
- Seeing the information repeatedly is important! If you start studying as ahead of time as possible, you will have the time to make sure you have a good grasp of the content and are able to memorize things if needed.
- Practice problems
- Most professors will have a sample practice exam that you can work through. I highly recommend that you do these. This will especially help with timing yourself, particularly for some of the classes that are more problem set heavy.
- Office hours (start going as early as you can)
- Your TAs and your professors likely have office hours. Some will even offer extended office hours closer to the exam period. Take advantage of these! Come with questions ready or even just to listen to the questions other students have.
- Group studying
- Sometimes it helps to make a study group before an exam to ensure you understand the material, test / quiz each other, and to make the process more fun!
- RELAX! You will do great 🙂 Put your best foot forward and the rest will fall into place.