Set Priorities

• Figure out areas in which you're confident and others in which you need intensive review. Quiz and pset scores may tell you this directly. If it isn't clear, try the following technique.
• From your syllabus, enter each topic on one line of our Test Study Checklist. Fill in reading assignments, homework, and handouts or other material that will be tested. Leave the lecture column blank for now, since you will review all lecture notes. You may have some other blank boxes: not every topic has reading or written assignments to review.
• Highlight the areas in which you are least confident.
• Make note of the areas most emphasized in lecture, recitation, or psets. Information that your instructor spent extra time teaching and correcting will likely receive special attention on the exam.
• Note on your checklist any areas in which your lecture or book notes are vague, incomplete, or misleading. Plan to compare notes with a friend in these areas.
• If you work well in study groups, plan to cover your weaker areas (and share your strengths) in group. TAs and tutors can also help you fill in gaps.
• Schedule review meetings early and keep the appointment, so that you don't fall behind in your preparation.