¶ … college and university students. The process of studying for an exam, especially when not well-organized and methodical, however, may produce nearly as much anxiety as taking the exam itself. I know, from experience, both more and less effective ways to study for exams. Less effective ones are disorganized and leave students feeling overwhelmed, under-prepared, and more anxious than before they began. Effective study processes are well organized, methodical, carefully planned, and free of interruptions or distractions. Purposes and importance of a good study process for exams include: (1) a feeling of having done one's best; (2) confidence about taking the exam; and (3) often receiving a high exam grade. The purpose of my process paper is to describe to other students, and my instructor, my most effective exam-studying process, and why, when I follow it, I feel I have done my best to prepare, am confident taking the exam, and often receive a high grade on the exam. Materials I generally need to study from include: (1) the course textbook(s) and any notes I have taken on the book(s); (2) handouts (like extra readings) from class that could be covered; (3) hard copies of internet materials, library reserve...

In some of my classes, like math, I ask to tape the lectures. If I have lecture tapes to review, I bring them to my study session, plus a tape recorder and (if playing my tapes will disturb others) a set of headphones. I eat something before my study session, or (if I plan to study where food is allowed, like a friend's house) pack a light lunch or snack to eat halfway through my study session so I am not distracted by hunger. I either turn off or leave behind my cell phone, and tell anyone who might look for me during those hours where I will be, but not to disturbed me except in an emergency. I mention approximately when I will return so no one worries about me or feels they need to check up. I find it important to do all these steps before I start studying, so my mind is clear. If I skip any of these steps, I will not study as well, because I will be preoccupied with not having done them. I also wear comfortable clothes for studying, like sweats or something else loose, since wearing uncomfortable clothes distracts me from studying.
Next I go and find a quiet peaceful place…