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How to study for a test in 10 simple steps.
Learn how to ace your next test with these simple study strategies.
Experts report that 25% to 40% of US students suffer some level of test anxiety. Effective studying is one of the best ways to overcome anxiety and gain confidence before a big exam. However, many people don’t know how to study for a test.
The good news is you can use plenty of tried-and-true test prep techniques for your study strategy. These 10 tips will teach you how to study effectively for exams.
1. Find out what to study.
The first step in learning how to study for a test is knowing exactly what you are expected to learn. For example, your instructor might tell you which chapters in your textbook will be covered on the exam. If you don’t remember or can’t find this information on your syllabus, check with them before you start studying. You don’t want to waste any precious prep time reading chapters that won’t even be on the test.
Many college professors (and some high school instructors) blend information from in-class lectures and slideshow presentations into the exam questions. Find out whether your instructor engages in this common practice. If they do, take detailed notes during class and obtain a copy of the slideshow.
You also need to know what question formats you’ll encounter during the test. Will the exam consist entirely of multiple-choice questions? Or will it also include short answer questions? The more you know about the material and format, the easier it will be to create an effective study strategy.
2. Get to know your teacher’s style and expectations.
Instructors rarely give big tests during the first week of class. You’ll likely have a chance to get to know them a little bit before exam day. Pay attention to their teaching style. If they emphasize specific information from handouts, lectures, quizzes, or other documents like educational resources, incorporate those resources into your studying process.
While many students dread quizzes, they are one of the most valuable exam prep tools you can access. The structure of quiz questions will likely be very similar to the questions you’ll encounter on big tests. Use every opportunity to familiarize yourself with your instructor’s style and learn what information they emphasize.
3. Organize your study materials.
Before starting a study session, take a moment to gather all of your materials. A few resources you’ll need include:
- Textbooks
- Notes
- Handouts
- Digital files or resources
The more organized you are upfront, the less time you’ll waste hunting for what you need when you’re ready to study. Many professors use digital study guides and PDF documents as part of the teaching process.
If you are dealing with virtual documents, the AI-powered PDF summarizer from Adobe Acrobat can make your life easier. The Acrobat PDF summarizer uses generative AI technology to break down key points from each document. An artificial intelligence algorithm scans your file and uses natural language processing (NLP) capabilities to analyze the context of the document. It will condense the information into a summary, which you can save, edit, and print. You can save a lot of time while ensuring you understand what you’ll be tested on.
4. Create a schedule.
The best way to cram for an exam involves brewing a huge pot of coffee and burying your nose in your textbook all night, right? Absolutely not. You need a well-structured study plan that breaks down the process into manageable chunks. Assign specific time slots for each topic and include breaks in your schedule.
While you may need to stay up a little later than normal to review all relevant test material, don’t stretch yourself too thin. Pulling an all-nighter could actually hurt your test performance. Instead, build a realistic schedule and follow it.
Resist the urge to study the easiest content first. Start with more challenging subjects or topics so you don’t run out of time or energy. This strategy allows you to focus on complex concepts when you are fresh and ready to learn. Working through tedious material is easier when your energy levels are high.
Acrobat tools can help with your study sessions. The Acrobat PDF solution includes an AI chat tool. You can ask AI Assistant to define words, break down complex sentences or sections into more digestible language, or locate specific information.
After you are confident in your understanding of complicated topics, transition to moderately difficult materials. Save the easiest content for last.
5. Take effective notes.
Note-taking serves several purposes when you’re learning how to study for a test. It forces you to be attentive and focus on the material you interact with. As you jot down key points in your own words, your brain will process what you are reading or hearing.
Your notes will also be valuable during your review process. You can use these personal summaries as a reference while studying for your next exam.
Don’t feel you need to write down every word your instructor says or copy your textbook verbatim. Use bullet points and highlight or underline important facts for quick reference.
Digital note-taking tools or AI solutions can help organize your notes. The AI summarizer from Acrobat condenses your notes into focused summaries, allowing you to focus on deeper learning.
6. Develop a study guide.
Professors sometimes provide students with notes and study resources. However, these tools may only cover part of the scope of an exam. You might even encounter instructors who don’t offer any extra resources to help with your study sessions. The good news is that you can create your own study guide.
Start by using a summary of your notes to create an outline. The structure of the guide will vary depending on the type of test you are prepping for. For example, if you are studying for a math or chemistry exam, you may list a concept and a few examples of applications or practice questions on each page of your guide.
You can make other study resources, too. Flash cards are a popular way to learn definitions or important concepts.
7. Use active recall and spaced repetition.
Active recall is one of the most effective ways to solidify your understanding of the material. Traditional study sessions involve passively rereading your notes or scanning the key concepts from each chapter. In contrast, active recall involves testing your knowledge of topics that you’ve learned.
You can integrate active recall into your study sessions in several ways, such as taking practice quizzes or creating flashcards. If you are dealing with complex topics, try explaining the material to someone else. You need a strong functional understanding of a concept to teach it.
Spaced repetition is another technique you can pair with active recall to retain information better. Don’t take the same quiz repeatedly in the same session until you get everything right. Instead, review your content for a while and then take a break. After a few hours, come back to it and quiz yourself again.
8. Take practice tests and quizzes.
If you can access practice tests or quizzes, use them to your advantage. Practicing with real questions helps you become familiar with the format and identify concepts you may not be comfortable with yet.
Many textbooks include digital resources with self-testing tools. If your textbook offers these learning aids, make sure to use them. The best tools include explanations for each question, which will help you understand what you got wrong and why.
All of these tips about how to study for a test complement one another. With that in mind, don’t spend hours taking practice quizzes without giving yourself a break — complete a few practice rounds and let your mind rest for a while.
If there are several days before the exam, try answering some practice questions every morning and every evening as part of your studying process.
9. Form study groups.
Group study can help reinforce difficult information. You may grasp part of the lesson well but need help understanding another concept your professor introduced. One of your classmates could break down the topic you don’t understand and vice versa.
Before you team up with your peers, make sure they will add value to your exam prep process. Avoid partnering with students who cause distractions or won’t stay focused. They can interfere with your learning and cost you precious time, leaving you less prepared on exam day.
10. Take care of yourself.
Learning how to study for a test is vital, but ensuring your mind and body are ready to learn is even more important. Fatigue can negatively impact your test performance. Your health, both physical and mental, can also play a role in your success.
Even if you are anxious about a test and feel like staying up to study, don’t push yourself too far. A good night’s sleep will help you be mentally sharp on testing day.
Here are a few tips to help you feel your best:
- Review key concepts, but don’t cram.
- Organize your materials.
- Lay out your clothes and plan your breakfast.
- Minimize decision-making on test day.
- Give yourself enough time to get ready so you don’t feel rushed or anxious.
- Get seven to eight hours of sleep.
The night before the exam, make a plan to reduce your mental fatigue and stress. Start your day with a healthy breakfast and head to your testing site, knowing you’ve put in the work to get an A.
Learn how to study effectively with Acrobat.
Explore our AI Assistant and unlock key insights from your documents with the power of generative AI. Review our four AI prompts to chat with your PDF more effectively and keep your study sessions focused.
Frequently asked questions.
What is the best method to study for a test?
The best method to study for a test depends on your learning style. Taking practice tests and using strategies like spaced repetition and active recall are some highly effective methods.
How do you study for a test to get an A?
Start studying early and consistently throughout the prep process to earn an A. Create a plan to absorb new information and reinforce the material you’ve covered. Review your material in multiple ways to apply what you’ve learned in various test questions and scenarios.
How do I study right before a test?
It’s easier to know how to study for a test the night before if you’re prepared. Give yourself several days to a week to learn and retain the information the test will cover.
Then, you can review key concepts and take a practice test the night before an exam instead of trying to learn new material. Use techniques like active recall to test your understanding, and get a good night’s sleep so your mind will be sharp during the exam.