The Q: I study my butt off for exams but I never get the grade I want. I can't figure out what the problem is. I study up to the night before the exam. I review my notes, do practice problems from old homework assignments, and read over the sections that will be covered on the exam. Is this the wrong way to go about it? I have a hard time keeping up with the reading assignments, so I don't cover everything until the night before.

The A: This is a complicated question, so let's tackle it in stages.

First of all, a question. Do you have a harder time with some kinds of courses than others? Is literature worse than math? Are lecture courses worse than seminars? Multiple choice tests worse than essays? From what you wrote, I wonder how much you know about your own weaknesses and strengths. This really bears thinking about.

Second, you can't leave the reading until the last night. No matter what. So if you can't keep up with the reading, you're either taking too many courses, or you're inadequately prepared for the courses you're taking. If you've always had trouble with reading, consider a few possibilities:

• Is it a language question? Do you simply need more practice with the language in the text?
  
• Have you had your vision checked?
  
• Have you been tested for learning disabilities?

Any one of these issues can make reading difficult, and all can be resolved. But they require different strategies and approaches.

Third, going over examples is an excellent strategy, as is rereading textbook sections. Do you take notes? Do you study them? Perhaps you should rewrite your notes as part of your studying; some students find it very helpful. If you can't take notes in class, have you considered taping class and then taking notes afterwards at home? This is time-consuming, but for some students it's a make-or-break method.

Fourth, have you studied with other students? Conversations and cross-checking your memory can be crucial.

Fifth, what do you consider a lot of studying? Might your expectations be inappropriate? I certainly expect my students to spend more than a few hours studying for an exam...

Finally, if you've done all these things and you're really working as hard as you can, maybe you're taking the wrong level courses or wrong subject area. Make sure you know what you're taking and why.

—Anahid Kassabian, Chief Advisor

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