How to prepare for AMIE exams
How do I prepare for AMIE examination? I have a time of six months for the AMIE section A exams preparation.
1. First thing you need to know is that you are among the 20-30 % of the AMIE exam takers who are actually genuine..i.e.. you will be giving the AMIE exam based on your actual engineering knowledge (and not by by-hearting some local study materials in the last moment) and trust us, the AME papers are designed so you guys can succeed.
2. DO NOT COMPLETELY RELY ON ANY AMIE EXAM "STUDY MATERIAL". Make sure that your primary source of knowledge is your text books. (Standard ones. Not guides or Local authors)
3 Apart from your engineering text books make sure you have AMIE EXAM PREVIOUS YEARS QUESTION PAPERS. You can also find them on our website here.
4. Do not over stress yourself or you might lose interest at a later stage. Remember, of all the AMIE exam takers, you get to be the most casual yet succesful AMIE exam aspirant.
5. 2-3 hours of AMIE preparation a day should suffice till examnation ). Maintain a "AMIE Formulae book" to note down the important formulae and points while preparing for the AMIE exam. Especially for material science and manufacturing part.
6. Finish all your unread and new AMIE exam syllabus by the examination . Be selective in AMIE exam syllabus, if you feel pressed tight.
DO NOT IGNORE TOPICS YOU ARE WELL KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT, AT THE END.
And also, NO READING A SUBJECT IN PART... either COMPLETE A SUBJECT OR LEAVE IT.
If you know a topic well and not the rest of the subject and you have no time to finish the subject, include that topic in your revision. Who knows? It might turn out to be a linked answer question set in your AMIE exam.
7. Brush up topics in AMIE syllabus that you have already read but lost touch,.
8.Ggo on revising and solving FROM THE TEXT BOOKS you used during initial AMIE preparation.
9. Practice AMIE exam Previous question papers in real like conditions. - Not more than 2 AMIE papers a day. Review and solve the paper after the test. Trust us, you ll earn atleast 20% of marks in the AMIE exam from what you applied while solving the AMIE previous papers. Tick the questions you feel you need to revise on the day before the AMIE exam. Solving AMIE Papers is like forming the impressions of the formulae and principles you learnt in your mind.
10. On the day before the AMIE exam, revise all formulae from your AMIE formulae book and ticked questions in the AMIE previous papers book... NO TOUCHING THE TEXT BOOKS.... try being casual.
We wish you All the very best for your AMIE Preparation.
FAQ on AMIE exams
Is obtaining a membership number a mandatory to sit for an examination?
A student cannot undertake an examination at any point with out first having obtained a membership number. Referral numbers allocated by the Institute will not be considered as membership numbers an will not be valid in any of the examinations. With membership number comes a student ID Card.
Can a student leave the country and continue with the AMIE studies at any other overseas country?
A student who will be leaving the country for personal purposes but who wish to continue with the AMIE program will be able to do so while continuing to keep the same postal address. However, the examinations are conducted only in limited locations over seas. The list of over seas countries are given in the web site. If a student is traveling to a country where an AMIE examination could not be taken the only option available to the student is to travel back to India for the to take the examination. There are overseas centers like Baharian , Doha etc
Can students who have already passed AMIE take on another related branch of engineering as a second or third optional qualification?
Students who have already achieved a professional qualification in one related filed of engineering can re apply to get an extra professional qualification in another branch of engineering. For example of a student has already obtained the Bachelor of Technical Studies he may again apply for AMIE course in the field of civil engineering if the student desires so. The eligibility and registration process is the same as in for other students.
Can students achieve good grades by referring to other material and publications of the IEI?
Students should not try to get through the AMIE examinations by simply referring to the available published material of the IEI. The published material of IEI has its own merits and is compatible with the study and exam trends of the course. However, students are encouraged to look through these books and what ever extra study material they can get hold of in order to gain additional depth and knowledge in their field of studies.
Will a single book cover the entire syllabus of the relevant subjects? Does a student need any additional reading material?
Like in any other course and academic programs a single book will not be sufficient to guarantee that the student will receive better than average marks at the examination. Therefore students are strongly advised to look for all available printed and on line reading material that could be obtained on every aspect of the engineering field that is relevant to the student’s scope of education. Students can exchange such reading material and make notes out of these books for future references. It is advised that students make use of engineering study books that are written by designated writers and books that are available in the local engineering institutes and universities. Students could also get the guidance and advice of the administrators at the Learning Hours with regard to any additional reading material. The administrators at Learning Hours have a wide experience and knowledge and will guide the students in the most relevant reading material.
Once a student completes the AMIE program how can he receive the Chartered Engineer status?
The eligibility requirement for a Chartered Engineers is that the person has to be a registered Corporate Member (Life) at the Institution of Engineers India. Professional aspiring for the designation of Chartered Engineer can obtain a certificate, nominating him as a Chartered Engineer. This facility is available only for those members who have made their composite subscriptions or the compounding fees for the life membership with out arrears. The applicants should provide details of their professional background detailing all academic and professional achievements with the demand draft of the applicable fee made payable to the Institute of Engineers India and make the payment to the office address at Kokatta.
Can a student pay their examination fees on line to the Institution?
Students who has the facility to make their payments on line to take on a examination or to register for the Section B, to make a re-registration for examination or to request for an extension time on the examination registration could do so by making the required payment through their credit card by logging in to the Institute’s payment gate way available on line. The student may also fill in their application forms and examination forms at the same time through the provided on line forms. A student may request for a change in their optional subjects in the same manner. This is a very quick, efficient and safe method that is now being adopted by most of the AMIE students. The students should make a note of the acknowledgement they will receive on line from the IEI in the form of a reference number for the request and the authorization code once they complete their transaction. If the student has not received an authorization code once the relevant data has been fed the transaction will not be accepted by the Institute as a valid payment.
What is the standard format of the AMIE examination paper?
A student will have to answer a total of five questions out of which question number one will be on an objective basis and compulsory for the students. The other four questions are of an explanatory nature and the students would provide answers to all four questions as well. The marking will be 20 for each question totaling to a final 100.
If a student has received their membership number but has not received the other documents would he be permitted to take on the forthcoming examination?
A student who has already received the membership confirmation along with the relevant membership number could apply for the next examination even if he has not received the student identity card and other pertaining documents. However, the student has to check that the date of membership election is before August 31st to be eligible to sit for the oncoming winter examination and the date of membership registration should be before 28th February in order to be eligible to sit for the next summer examination. All the student has to do is send in his duly filled examination form along with the requisite examination fees in demand draft (speed post recommended). It takes awhile for the Institute to process the students identify card and other documents but the student can be assured of delivery of these items in due course.
Does a student have to fill in their chosen engineering branch code in the Section A examination application forms?
A student should only fill in the branch code if they have definite knowledge of the respective branch code. For students who does not have the relevant information or if they need to wait to select a desired branch upon passing the Section A examination they could opt to leave the branch code blank in the application form.
Is AMIE a valid qualification in Government Sectors such as NTPC or ONGC?
AMIE is held to be in the same ranks of the Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Technical qualifications as recognized by the Government of India. The professional qualification is valid for any of the following Government Sectors and jobs. UPSA, IES, GATE and any other sector where they mention B.Tech or B. Eng., The AMIE qualification is a sure guarantee for the employees to get promotions and enhance future career prospects as it is a widely recognized professional qualification in India as well as on the international scale. You can refer recognition site in website www.ieindia.org
Can a student enroll for the GATE immediately upon completing the AMIE?
A student could appear for the GATE upon completing the Section A examinations but cannot enroll or register at GATE unless the student completes the Section B and get the required passing grade.
Is a student allowed to take their examinations in the Hindi Language?
A student who does not wish to take his/her examination in the English language may apply to write for the examination in the Hindi language. This will be possible only for the students who have completed their eligibility diploma course also in the same language. Students who are aspiring to complete the AMIE in Hindi should take the same language for both Section A and B. The student will receive their final grading and will be certified as having passed in Hindi. However, the Institute strongly recommends students who are aspiring to continue their career prospects on to international and high standards that are maintained in the engineering filed today to take the program in the English Language as it will facilitate the student’s entry into the international engineering arena.
What are AMIE project work and the laboratory experiments?
A student will be expected to do their project work and to carry on with the laboratory experiments after having passed five subjects in the Section B examination. The Institute of Engineers will provide a list of the study centers and institutes or colleges which would help the student to obtain the required number of laboratory experiments and tests. The Institute will send by mail all the relevant documentation pertaining to the student’s project work and expected laboratory experiments upon the clearance of the five subjects. The student will receive a letter from the Institute naming the title for the expected project work and another letter and form detailing the list of places for the lab experiments.
What is AMIE examination grading system?
Notes:
- Only grade will be provided in individual subjects.
- In the pass mark sheets of Sections A/B examinations, apart from grade in individual subjects, GPA (Grade Point Average) will also be provided.
- For a complete pass in Section A or in Section B, minimum GPA shall be 6.
- Full marks in each subject including project work and laboratory experiments : 100
- Minimum grade for exemption in each subject : Grade C
- Minimum grade for passing project work : Grade B
- Minimum grade for passing laboratory experiments : Grade B
- Reappearance is not permissible in the subject (s) in which grade C and above is obtained in an examination.
- Score of grade 'D' in one subject of Section A (Diploma) or two subjects of Section A (Non-diploma)/Section B is only considered in the last attempt provided all the subjects in the scheme are covered with minimum grade point being 6.
- No division or class is awarded.
INTRODUCTION OF CUMULATIVE GPA (CGPA)
Candidates Passing Sections A and B Examinations in Revised Scheme
Grade points of all subjects required to appear to complete the entire course, including laboratory experiments and project work, shall be divided by the number of subjects to arrive at the CGPA. This shall only be indicated in the pass grade card of Section B. This also includes Lab experiments and Project work.
Candidates Passed Section A in Old Scheme and Section B in Revised Scheme
Candidates, who have completed Section A in old scheme securing specific marks in all required subjects and subsequently completed Section B in revised scheme securing specific grades in required subjects, CGPA shall be calculated by converting marks of individual subjects of Section A to grade points and then adding grade points of all subjects of Section A, Section B, project work, and laboratory experiments and divided by the number of applicable subjects. No separate grade card for Section A, which is already completed in old scheme, shall be issued.
Candidates Exempted from Section A, by virtue of Passing Sections A & B Examinations earlier, and passed Section B in Additional Branch in Revised Scheme
Such candidates shall be considered similar to those who obtained exemption from Section A by virtue of passing degree in engineering from the recognized university. CGPA for them shall be calculated adding the grade points obtained in required number of subjects in Section B, project work and laboratory experiments and dividing by number of applicable subjects.
Grade H marks
H >75
A 66-74
B 60-65
C 50-59
D 35-49
E 20-34
F 0-19
GRADE "D" CRITERIA
For PASS, you must get B grade in at least one subject (Section A, Diploma Stream) to make total GPA equal to 6 or more.
Grade D will be considered in last attempt only. It will not be carried over.
GPA: H = 10, A = 9, B = 8, C = 6, D = 5
Examples:
(1) Section A: C, C, C, D (D in last attempt). You have to reappear in subject with D grade
Reason: GPA = (6 + 6 + 6 + 5)/4 = 23/4 < 6 (It must be equal or more than 6 for pass)
(2) Section A: C, C, B, D (D in last attempt). PASS
Reason: GPA = (6 + 6 + 8 + 5)/4 = 25/4 > 6 (Pass as GPA is greater than 6)
(3) Section A: C, C, C, C. PASS
(4) Section B: C,C,C,C,C,C,B,D,D > PASS
Reason: (6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 6 + 8 + 5 + 5)/9 = 54/6 = 6 (Pass as GPA is 6)
(5) Section B: C,C,C,C,C,B,B,D,D > PASS
We offer following effective study skills for everyone who visits this site
Effective Study skills are about more than understanding
Effective study skills must be practiced in order for you to improve. It is not enough to simply "think about" studying; you have to actually do it, and in the process use information from what you do to get better. This is the central idea of this page. All that follows depends on this single concept. There is a saying that goes like this: "Practice doesn't make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect." If you want to be an achiever, take this saying to heart.
The value of a schedule
Before you even begin to think about the process of studying, you must develop a schedule. If you don't have a schedule or plan for studying, then you will not have any way of allocating your valuable time when the unexpected comes up. A good, well thought out schedule can be a lifesaver. It's up to you to learn how develop a schedule that meets your needs, revise it if necessary, and most important, follow it.
A schedule saves time
All schedules should be made with the idea that they can be revised. A good schedule keeps you from wandering off course. A good schedule, if properly managed, assigns time where time is needed, but you've got to want to do it!
Making every hour count
A schedule should take into account every class, laboratory, lecture, social event, and other work in which you engage. There are givens such as classes and so on that have to be incorporated. You must focus on the other "free time" available and how you will use it. Make a weekly schedule and block off the 24 hour day in one hour increments. Indicate times for classes, labs, lectures, social, and work time. Also block off a period for sleeping each day. With what is left over, plan time for study. This gives you a rough road map of the time available. Of course, you can revise your schedule as circumstances warrant.
When to study
The problem of when to study is critical. A good rule of thumb is that studying should be carried out only when you are rested, alert, and have planned for it. Last minute studying just before a class is usually a waste of time.
Studying for lecture courses
If your study period is before the lecture class, be sure you have read all the assignments and made notes on what you don't understand. If the study period is after the lecture class, review the notes you took during class while the information is still fresh.
Making and revising a schedule
Don't be afraid to revise your schedule. Schedules are really plans for how you intend to use your time. If your schedule doesn't work, revise it. You must understand that your schedule is to help you develop good study habits. Once you have developed them, schedule building becomes easier.
The Process of Study
How to use your time
Time is the most valuable resource a student has. It is also one of the most wasted of resources. The schedule you develop should guide you in how to allocate the available time in the most productive manner. Sticking to your schedule can be tough. Don't dribble away valuable time. Avoiding study is the easiest thing in the world. It's up to you to follow the schedule you prepared. A good deal of your success in high school or college depends on this simple truth.
Where to study
You can study anywhere. Obviously, some places are better than others. Libraries, study lounges or private rooms are best. Above all, the place you choose to study should not be distracting. Distractions can build up, and the first thing you know, you're out of time and out of luck. Make choosing a good physical environment a part of your study habits.
Strategies
Thinking skills
Everybody has thinking skills, but few use them effectively. Effective thinking skills cannot be studied, but must be built up over a period of time. Good thinkers see possibilities where others see only dead-ends. If you're not a good thinker, start now by developing habits that make you ask yourself questions as you read. Talk to other students who you feel are good thinkers. Ask them what it is they do when they think critically or creatively. Often times, you can pick up valuable insights to help you become a better thinker.
The SQ3R method
The SQ3R method has been a proven way to sharpen study skills. SQ3R stands for Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review. Take a moment now and write SQ3R down. It is a good slogan to commit to memory to carry out an effective study strategy.
Survey - get the best overall picture of what you're going to study BEFORE you study it an any detail. It's like looking at a road map before going on a trip. If you don't know the territory, studying a map is the best way to begin.
Question - ask questions for learning. The important things to learn are usually answers to questions. Questions should lead to emphasis on the what, why, how, when, who and where of study content. Ask yourself questions as you read or study. As you answer them, you will help to make sense of the material and remember it more easily because the process will make an impression on you. Those things that make impressions are more meaningful, and therefore more easily remembered. Don't be afraid to write your questions in the margins of textbooks, on lecture notes, or wherever it makes sense.
Read - Reading is NOT running your eyes over a textbook. When you read, read actively. Read to answer questions you have asked yourself or questions the instructor or author has asked. Always be alert to bold or italicized print. The authors intend that this material receive special emphasis. Also, when you read, be sure to read everything, including tables, graphs and illustrations. Often times tables, graphs and illustrations can convey an idea more powerfully than written text.
Recite - When you recite, you stop reading periodically to recall what you have read. Try to recall main headings, important ideas of concepts presented in bold or italicized type, and what graphs charts or illustrations indicate. Try to develop an overall concept of what you have read in your own words and thoughts. Try to connect things you have just read to things you already know. When you do this periodically, the chances are you will remember much more and be able to recall material for papers, essays and objective tests.
Review - A review is a survey of what you have covered. It is a review of what you are supposed to accomplish, not what you are going to do. Rereading is an important part of the review process. Reread with the idea that you are measuring what you have gained from the process. During review, it's a good time to go over notes you have taken to help clarify points you may have missed or don't understand. The best time to review is when you have just finished studying something. Don't wait until just before an examination to begin the review process. Before an examination, do a final review. If you manage your time, the final review can be thought of as a "fine-tuning" of your knowledge of the material. Thousands of high school and college students have followed the SQ3R steps to achieve higher grades with less stress.
Reading
A primary means by which you acquire information is through reading. In college you're expected to do much more reading than in high school. Don't assume just because you've "read" the assignments that is the end of it. You must learn to read with a purpose. In studying, you may read the same assignment three or four times, each time with a different purpose. You must know before you begin reading what your purpose is, and read accordingly.
Getting the Main Idea
Getting the main idea in reading is central to effective studying. You must learn what the author's central idea is, and understand it in your own way. Every paragraph contains a main idea. Main ideas are perfect for outlining textbooks. Make it a habit to find the main idea in each paragraph you read.
Extracting Important Details
Extracting important details means that you locate in your reading the basis for main ideas. There is usually one important detail associated with every main idea. The more important details you can identify, the easier it will be to review for examinations because you have made a link between an idea and information that supports it. The more links you can make between details and ideas, as well as ideas themselves, the more powerful will be the efforts of your study.
Don't Read Aloud to Yourself
Generally, reading aloud to yourself does not help you study more effectively. If you move your lips while you read, you're not reading efficiently. If you read aloud or move your lips while you're reading, you are reading slowly, so stop moving your lips. Try putting a finger over your lips. Your finger will remind you not to move your lips. Make an effort to read faster and retain more - after a while, you'll be surprised how little effort it will take.
Taking Notes
Like reading, note-taking is a skill which must be learned and refined. Almost invariably, note taking, or the lack of it, is a constant deficiency in the study methods of many high school and college students. Learning the ingredients of good note taking is rather easy; applying them to your own situation depends on how serious you are in becoming a successful student.
Where to Keep Notes
You must learn to keep notes logically and legibly. Remember, if you can't read your own writing a few days after taking notes, they are of little use. By all accounts, the best place to keep notes is in a loose-leaf notebook. Use dividers to separate the different classes you take. Make it a habit of using your notebook to record ALL your notes. If you're caught without your notebook and need to take notes, always have a supply of loose-leaf paper with you. Insert your note papers into the notebook as soon as you can. Be sure to buy a good notebook, as it will get a lot of wear and tear.
Outlining Textbooks
First of all, don't underline. Use a highlighter. Experience has shown that text passages highlighted are more easily remembered than the same passages underlined. In outlining a text, don't just read along and highlight what seem to important words. That technique rarely works. The act of outlining works much better.
Taking Lecture Notes
Surveying, Questioning, Listening
Taking accurate and concise lecture notes is essential. Develop the habit of taking notes using appropriate methods described earlier in the SQ3R technique. For example, when you listen to a lecture, formulate questions as you listen. Your main job in taking lecture notes is to be a good listener. To be a good listener, you must learn to focus and concentrate on the main points of the lecture. Get them down, and then later reorganize them in your own words. Once you have done this, you have set the stage for successful reviewing and revising.
Reviewing and Revising
As you prepare for examinations, tests, or other assessments, you should spend time reviewing and revising your lecture notes. Begin the process by reviewing your notes right after a lecture. If you wait too long, you may discover that the notes just don't make sense. Don't hesitate to revise your notes based on the review process.
Taking Examinations
Objective Examinations
Surveying
Survey any objective examination to find out what types of questions are being asked. Surveying helps you to know what to expect.
Knowing the Ground Rules
Always read directions! Indicate your answers exactly the way the directions state. Make sure your answers are clear. Determine what the scoring rules for the test are and follow them to your advantage. For example, if wrong answers are penalized, don't guess unless you can reduce the choices to two.
Answering Easy Questions First
Answering easy (to you) questions first is the best strategy. If you stumble over difficult questions for too long a time, you may not be able to complete the exam.
Picking out Key Words
Objective examination questions usually contain one or more key words. A key word or group of words are those on which the truth or falsity of a statement hinges. Learn to spot the key words in the statement that define the meaning. If a statement contains two clauses, one of which is false, the whole statement is false. Usually, two-statement true-false questions are either both true or both false.
Reading Multiple-Choice Questions
Multiple choice questions are essentially true-false questions arranged in groups. Usually, only one alternative is correct. Your job is to pick the alternative that is more nearly true than the others. Read multiple-choice questions the same way as for true-false. Eliminate obvious false choices.
Reading Other Types of Questions
The methods used to answer true-false and multiple choice questions apply to matching questions as well. Always scan the entire list of alternatives before matching any. As in the other types of questions, try to identify key words in each list and test them. Completion questions require you to provide a word or phrase. When you encounter completion questions, choose your words carefully. If you don't know the answer, give it your best guess, as often times such responses get at least partial credit.
Essay Examinations
Planning your time in answering essay questions is more important than in objective type tests. The general rule is not to get carried away on one or two questions to the extent that you cannot answer that other questions in the time allowed. Read through the entire examination first. Get a feel for the questions you are expected to answer. If the exam allows you to choose from a number of questions, be sure to number your answers exactly to match the questions.
When you follow directions for an essay exam, pay attention to the key words the instructor has included. Such words as "list," "describe," "compare and contrast," and "outline" have special meaning. Don't "write around" the question but answer it directly. If a question asks you to list something, don't write a narrative about it. Answering essay questions directly is always the best policy.
After scanning the list of questions to be answered, choose the ones you know most about. A good idea is to prepare an outline of your answers. The outline will help you remember important ideas and facts to be included in your response. Another technique is to do a "memory-dump." This technique is discussed in the last section of this guide, "Power Study Tips."
Good handwriting is an absolute essential. If your cursive writing is very hard to read, try printing instead. Most instructors value clear handwriting. Grammar, punctuation, and spelling also count. Well-written grammatically correct answers almost always receive higher grades than poorly written grammatically incorrect answers, even though the answers themselves are the same.
Writing Themes and Reports
Reviewing the Topic
Students usually have some freedom to choose the subject of themes or reports. When you make this choice, be sure that the topic is acceptable to the teacher, and is as interesting to you as possible. Another consideration is that of availability of resource material. Your task is made much easier when there is a good amount of reference and resource material available.
Using Correct Punctuation and Grammar
As in writing essays questions, good grammar and punctuation are a must. Most students use word processors to write papers. Be sure to use the spell checker that almost all word processors have built in. Many word processors also have some sort of grammar checker. Learn to use a grammar checker, as it can point out serious flaws in your writing and help you become a better writer. Most grammar checkers explain the grammar rules that apply to the suggested corrections to your writing.
Gathering Materials Before You Write
Before you begin writing, assemble the materials you will need. Use index cards, notes, bibliographies, summaries, reports and reviews as part of your preparation process. Using index cards for references is an excellent way to organize your materials. Computer database programs can also help you classify and organize reference materials.
Study Space
Tip: Your study space should be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Avoid studying in noisy places such as cafeterias, recreation rooms, or lounges.
Tip: When studying, keep a waste basket handy.
Tip: Have a consistent place for everything, and above all, keep it there!
Tip: Have everything needed for study handy beforehand. Don't waste valuable time looking for books, notes, of other information. After you have assembled the items you need, put them where you can reach them easily.
Study Habits
Tip: Begin study no less than 30-90 minutes after a meal.
Tip: Never study within 30 minutes of going to sleep.
Tip: Prioritize! Make a list of what you intend to study, prioritize the list, and stick to it!
Tip: If possible, study no more than 30-40 minutes at a stretch. Many students retain more by studying for short periods with breaks in between. It all depends on what you're trying to study, but generally, after a period of study, take a break.
Tip: Take study breaks away from your desk or wherever you are studying. Let the break be a time to think about other things. Use some break time to reflect, not constantly review what you have just studied.
The Classroom
Tip: Distractions in the classroom are deadly. To help avoid distractions, sit near the front of the class. You're less likely to miss something important, and there are far less distractions at the front than any other location.
Tip: Think! Thinking is one of the most important things you can do in class. If you just sit there passively, and not think, class can be deadly. Think about what the teacher is saying BEFORE writing down anything. Writing down each word is a WASTE OF TIME. Reorganize in your mind what the teacher says, and then write it down. This way you will be connecting the teacher's words with HOW you think. If you do this, your notes will make a lot more sense later on.
Tip: Pay attention to the course outline or syllabus. Generally, important points and materials are referenced here and repeated. Don't be afraid to ask the teacher if there is something you don't understand. Most teachers will be glad to clarify for you.
Preparing for Class
Tip: Efficient students do not underline! Underlining is not a productive way to emphasize textbook material. It's best to use a highlighter.
Tip: Read the table of contents of your texts carefully. If the textbooks have chapter summaries, read them first! If you don't understand the material from the summaries, go back and highlight. Take notes on what you have highlighted and review your notes. Tip: Break study material into short segments of length dependent on its difficulty. Remember, concise notes are more powerful than copious notes. Think about the material! Then take notes on what you don't know or are not sure of.
Test Taking
Tip: For essay examinations, try the "memory dump" technique. If permitted, write down everything you've memorized - facts, names, dates, ideas, events, and so on BEFORE you do anything else. Sometimes reading through the essay questions can distract you from what you've studied. The "memory dump" technique requires that you write down everything possible BEFORE you begin writing essay answers. This way, you are less likely to forget something important.
A Final Word
The study skills presented here depend on one thing, and that is your willingness to WANT to improve and do well in school. If you really don't want to make the effort and sacrifice, no amount of suggestions, ideas, or outlines can help much. You are the one who is responsible for your education, and effective study skills can help you. To that end, one last word of advice -- work smart, not hard.
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