News You Can Use

University Relations
News Bureau: (662) 325-3442
Contact: Colby Swann
July 30, 1996

STARKVILLE, Miss.--With another school year about to begin, college students again must deal with the anxiety of tests and exams. One university educator says this fear most often has its root in poor study habits.

The best way to overcome the fear is to change the bad habits, says Anita George of the Mississippi State University Learning Center. Lesson No. 1: Don't procrastinate.

"One of the hardest habits to overcome is postponing study," she observes. "Ninety percent of exam anxiety and stress result from lack of preparation."

Because students often bring bad study habits with them, "the earlier they change these habits, the more successful they will be at the university level," George says.

She offers suggestions for improving study habits:

Have a good attitude. Good study habits require taking personal responsibility. If you have difficulty following material, tape record a lecture or ask for a written lecture to supplement your notes.

Do a time check. Effective study requires time. At least two hours of study per course credit hour is recommended each week. (Example: Three-hour course=six hours of study.)

Ask around. To prepare for tests, ask questions. Ask professors to highlight pertinent test material in notes or textbooks. Review old tests or talk with former students to discover the professor's style of testing.

Test yourself. To help prepare, use end-of-chapter questions or create new questions from your notes. Then, do a test "dress rehearsal."