How to Study for Exams

On This Page: What Studying Means | Active Studying | How Often to Study | Build a Study Plan | Self-Check | Downloads | Get Help

Studying for a Math Exam Is More Than Reviewing Your Notes

Preparing for a math exam can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure where to begin. The good news is that effective studying is a skill you can learn.

On this page, you will learn:

  • What it really means to study

  • How to make your study time active

  • How often you should study for math

  • How to create a realistic exam-preparation plan

  • Where to find additional help

You do not have to change everything at once. Start with one strategy, practice it, and gradually build a study routine that works for you.

1. What Does “Studying” Actually Mean?

Many students say they studied because they reread their notes, looked through examples, or watched someone else solve problems. These activities may be useful starting points, but studying should also give you opportunities to see what you can do on your own.

As you watch, think about this question:

When you study, how often do you close your notes and try a problem without help?

Try It Now

Choose one topic that may appear on your exam.

  1. Write down what you remember about the topic without looking at your notes.

  2. Try one problem without using an example.

  3. Check your work.

  4. Write down what you still need to practice.

This short activity can help you identify what you know and what needs more attention.

2. Active Studying vs. Passive Studying

Passive studying usually involves looking at information. Active studying asks you to do something with that information.

Passive Activities

  • Rereading notes

  • Highlighting information

  • Watching someone solve a problem

  • Looking over completed homework

  • Reading solutions without attempting the problems

Active Activities

  • Solving problems without looking at examples

  • Explaining why each step works

  • Creating your own practice questions

  • Teaching a concept to someone else

  • Mixing several types of problems together

  • Correcting mistakes and trying similar problems

  • Completing a practice quiz without notes

You do not need to eliminate every passive activity. Use it briefly to review information, and then move into active practice.

Turn a Passive Activity into an Active One

Instead of simply rereading a worked example:

  1. Cover the solution.

  2. Try the problem yourself.

  3. Explain each step aloud or in writing.

  4. Compare your solution with the example.

  5. Correct any mistakes.

  6. Try a similar problem without help.

3. How Often Should You Study for Math?

Math skills develop through repeated practice. Several shorter study sessions usually give you more opportunities to remember ideas, identify difficulties, ask questions, and return to challenging material.

A study plan does not have to be perfect. It only needs to be specific and realistic.

Instead of writing:

Study math on Wednesday.

Try writing:

On Wednesday from 6:00 - 6:30 p.m., complete five problems involving linear equations without using notes. Check the answers and mark any steps I need to ask about.

A Sample Study Session

First 5 minutes: Set a goal

Choose one or two specific skills to practice.

Next 15–20 minutes: Work without notes

Solve several problems from memory. Show all your steps.

Next 5–10 minutes: Check and correct

Compare your work with the solutions. Do not simply mark an answer wrong. Find where the mistake occurred and correct it.

Next 10 minutes: Try again

Complete one or two similar problems without looking at your correction.

Final 2–3 minutes: Plan your next step

Write down:

  • What you can now do

  • What still feels confusing

  • What you will practice during your next session

  • Any questions you need to ask

Build Your Own Study Plan

Step 1: Identify What the Exam Covers

Gather your:

  • Exam review or study guide

  • Class notes

  • Homework assignments

  • Quizzes

  • Previous tests

  • Textbook or online course materials

Make a list of the skills and topics that may appear on the exam.

Step 2: Rate Your Confidence

Use the following scale for each topic:

  • 3 - I can do this independently

  • 2 - I can do this with a reminder or example

  • 1 - I am not yet sure how to begin

Begin with the topics you rated a 1 or 2.

Step 3: Schedule Specific Study Sessions

For each session, record:

  • The day and time

  • The topic you will study

  • The activity you will complete

  • The materials you will need

  • How you will check your understanding

Step 4: Practice Without Support

At least part of each study session should resemble the exam. Put away your notes, work independently, and give yourself a reasonable amount of time.

Step 5: Use Your Results

After practicing, divide the topics into three groups:

  • Ready: I can complete these problems independently.

  • Almost Ready: I understand the idea but need more practice.

  • Need Help: I am unsure how to begin or keep making the same mistake.

Use these results to decide what to study next.

Quick Self-Check: Am I Really Studying?

Before ending a study session, ask yourself:

  • Did I solve problems without looking at an example?

  • Did I explain why my steps worked?

  • Did I check and correct my mistakes?

  • Did I practice more than one type of problem?

  • Can I recognize which strategy a problem requires?

  • Can I complete the problem without help?

  • Do I know what I need to practice next?

You do not need to answer “yes” to every question during every session. Use the questions to help make your studying more active and intentional.

Downloadable Study Tools

Consider adding printable or fillable versions of the following resources:

Exam Study Plan

A calendar students can use to divide topics across several days.

Topic Confidence Checklist

A table containing:

Exam TopicConfidentNeed More PracticeNeed HelpTopic 1☐☐☐Topic 2☐☐☐Topic 3☐☐☐

Active Study Menu

A one-page list of study activities students can choose from when they are unsure what to do.

Practice Problem Tracker

DateTopic PracticedProblems AttemptedProblems CorrectNext Step

Mistake Analysis Sheet

A worksheet that asks:

  • What problem was I solving?

  • Where did my work go wrong?

  • Why did the mistake make sense at the time?

  • What is the correct approach?

  • What will I remember next time?

  • Can I now solve a similar problem without help?

Need Help?

Studying independently does not mean you have to work alone. Ask for help when you notice that you cannot begin a problem, continue making the same mistake, or do not understand why a procedure works.

You might:

  • Visit your instructor during office hours

  • Ask a specific question before or after class

  • Work with a classmate or study group

  • Bring attempted problems to a tutoring session

  • Use the Math Center of Excellence

  • Review additional examples from your course materials

When asking for help, bring the work you have already attempted. Showing where you became confused can make it easier for someone to help you.

Northern New Mexico College students:
Visit the Math Center of Excellence

Additional Study Resources

Choose One Action to Take Today

You do not need to create a perfect study system today. Choose one manageable action:

  • Schedule your next study session.

  • Make a list of the topics on your exam.

  • Try five problems without notes.

  • Correct one problem you previously missed.

  • Explain one concept aloud.

  • Contact your instructor or a tutor.

  • Begin an exam study plan.

Small, consistent actions can help you become more prepared, more confident, and more independent in your math learning.