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Many times, studying for a history exam, or any other exam for that matter, is simply committing the information to memory. It isn't as difficult as it seems. This is what I did.

During class, I took notes. If you can use short forms and abbreviations (and understand them later), definitely do so! Don't get all tied up in knots worrying about writing between the lines as the professor is teaching. I went through a boatload of paper, my script written big and fast! I knew shorthand too, which I learned in high school so had that unique advantage over others. However these days, many students use tape recorders which beat Forkner Shorthand - hands down! Nevertheless, still follow the steps outlined here.

Of course try to make it to each class but if that's not possible, borrow the notes from a GOOD note-taker! It never ceased to amaze me how students did not want to lend their notes out. If you could really use their notes, ask if you could photo-copy them with the student present so you can hand them right back to them. Normally they are afraid that if they lend them out, they won't get them back. If you don't understand something they've written, clarify it with them. Make sure you understand what the genius has written. Then take those notes home because you have more work to do.

Whether by tape or by hand written notes from class, go home and write your notes in proper, nicely written form. This is not just for the purpose of having proper looking notes - it commits what you learned to memory. Three steps have been taken thus far in learning the material. You've listened to the professor, you've written notes and have re-written the notes. So far, that's going over the material three times at least without even getting down to the business of serious studying before the exam.

My advice is contrary to some others. You need not soak in everything and anything about the time period you are studying by watching films, movies and reading biographies. This is information overload and bound to stress you out. Besides, you DO have other courses! Come on, now!

Find out from the professor what you are expected to know for the exam. Sometimes you know ahead of time that the professor doesn't even use the readings he has assigned to his students when preparing the exam. Others do. In either case, they should be able to tell you what sources you must use to get a good mark on the exam. Don't assume he only uses one source or the other. I've made mistakes that way that cost

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