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prompt, you will generally be able to address the portions of the subject you know the best. Essays aren't about dates. Essays are about thinking critically about the period and writing to the prompt. In studying for an essay you want to make sure you have the overarching concepts down. Look at how thing are connected, who influenced what, and the like. If you feel that you can't memorize lots of dates, keep everything relative. Know the order that things happened in, and about how far apart they occurred. Again, notes are a great help here. If you are given prompts in advance, study them and write an outline of what you plan to say on the test. Remember, if they expect you to cover something in an essay, the short essay or identifications won't be on the same subject. This is not always true in reverse.

In my experience, once you know the test format, the rest is pretty easy. Maintaining good study habits, like going to class, taking notes, and working with a study group apply to any test. Getting a good night's sleep is nice as well. Don't do any studying right before the test, take a few hours off before the test and just let it all settle in.

My personal study method is to find a part of the history you like, or can relate to, and then work out from there. By putting everything in relation to what you find interesting, you are more likely to remember it than if it had no meaning to you. Also, know your strengths and weaknesses. I don't enjoy trying to memorize dates (frankly, I'm abysmal at it), so I make a note of the important ones, and don't waste time with the rest. Instead, I spend more time exploring concepts and relations, giving me a deeper understanding of the period. When I use this strategy, I spend much less time studying, and it's far more enjoyable. I take a hit grade-wise on identifications, as I know fewer dates, but do really well on the essays. Optimize your time, it will reduce both time and stress.

The other key to history tests is to be excited. If you go into the test feeling that you will do well, you have a much better chance of doing so. Right before the test, get pumped up. Play some Dragonforce (or an artist of your choice), jump up and down, and get in the right frame of mind: you are going to ace this test. It sounds silly and looks silly, but it really is worth it: you won't get writer's block or brain freeze in the middle of the test.

Ultimately, how well you do on the test is up to you, and if you don't put in time you won't get results. Just remember to study strategically, use your strengths, and psyche yourself up beforehand.

Learn more about this author, Robert Alverson.
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