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Preparing for Math Exams    
  1. Have clear definitions in mind and understand the meanings of theorems.
  2. Go through the examples given in class or in the book; understand the concepts and the techniques used instead of focusing on the mechanics of solving a problem.
  3. You really learn math when you work problems. Work as many homework problems as possible on your own (whether graded or not). Do not copy from a friend or from a book. Focus on understanding rather than manipulating numbers just to obtain the answers in the back of the book.
  4. Do not wait until the last minute. Success in math is achieved through hard work, studying every day, and never cramming the night before the exam.
  5. Get all the help you can from your instructor or the tutoring service.
  6. Go over previous tests and homework and correct mistakes.
   
Taking Math Exams (Test Taking Strategies)    
  1. Start with the questions you know how to do.
  2. When you go back to the unanswered questions, read each of them for clues to help you answer these questions.
  3. Use your time well. If you are pressed for time, work on the problems that are worth the most points.
  4. Never just write an answer. Always show all your work.
  5. Remember that you are explaining to the professor what you know, so do it logically and clearly.
  6. Check when you have finished to make sure that your answers are logical.
  7. If you think you are missing a necessary piece of information, check to see if you calculated it or if it was given in a previous problem or in a previous part of the question.
  8. Check to see if you used all the data given.
  9. Proofread for careless errors.