I usually tell students the things that worked for me as an undergraduate (not quite the Stone Age, but at least the pre-Internet Age), when preparing and writing a chemistry exam.

Preparing:

1. Write up a cheat-sheet, whether allowed in the exam or not, as a study guide (NOTE WELL: If a cheat sheet is NOT allowed, don't use it in the exam; only as a study guide!).  The very act of writing down information and organizing it is a big aid in learning.  Chemistry does have some facts, processes and nomenclature that needs to be memorized, and this cheat-sheet is an aid in remembering things.
2. Instead of highlighting text in the book, write down the important passages of the textbook into a journal.  Again, this repetition aids remembering and learning.
3. Talk over chemistry problems and concepts with friends over dinner and your favorite beverage.  There may be something at the dinner table that reminds you of a chemistry concept.  Talking out things highlights areas where you're unclear about things and where you may surprise yourself about how much you do know!  And the repetition again helps you learn.
4. Once you've identified areas that are unclear for you, try some problems and re-read that area in another textbook than the one from the course.  The problems will identify whether you can correctly apply the concepts you've memorized and understand.

Writing:

1. Ask questions if you don't understand something or you want clarity on a question!  Many students do not do this and it may hurt their performance on the exam.
2. Get a good night's sleep the night before and stay hydrated.  It has been shown over and over again that exhausted and malnourished students do not perform as well in any task, even if they spent that time trying to memorize more.  Use time-management techniques so that you aren't studying for an exam only the night before and don't do an all-nighter.
3. Answer the questions you know how to answer first!  Be sure to show the instructor how much you do know, to the best of your ability, then spend time on the questions you don't know as well.  Manage your time, so that you can spend some time on all the questions.  There may be ones that, at first glance, you don't think you know but you may be able to work through them given some time.
4. Relax!  It is just one exam.  You've made it this far in University, so many people think you have the ability.  One secret is that all your instructors want you to do well!  All you have to do is show us what you're capable of!  I tell my students that they are strong, confident UofA students and that they will do well.

Glen Loppnow, Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, and 3M National Teaching Fellow.

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