Sure, the best way to prepare for a test is to faithfully attend class, take copious notes, and join a study group. But if it’s a little late for that, cramming is the way to keep that F at bay.
準備考試的最好方法時去聽課，記大量的筆記，并參加學習小組。但如果那么做已經為時已晚，突擊準備考試就是確保及格的好辦法。

Step 1: Read over notes
Begin by reading over your lecture notes. If you don’t have any, beg and plead with a classmate to photocopy theirs.
第一步：讀筆記
開始時可以先讀課堂筆記。如果你沒有筆記，可以向同學求助來復印他們的筆記。

Tip：Some campuses have note-taking services where you can purchase class notes.
小貼士:有些學校會賣筆記，這樣你去購買就行了。

Step 2: Highlight key points
Highlight the key points in your notes.
第二步：牢記要點
牢記筆記中的要點。

Step 3: Skim textbook
Skim the textbook for anything in bold, or key definitions, sections, and charts, and highlight those portions.
第三步：瀏覽課本
瀏覽課本中用粗體標黑的內容或是重要的定義或章節(jié)，并牢記內容。

Tip：Read the first and last few pages of each chapter thoroughly, because they often summarize the information.
小貼士:要通讀每章的前幾頁和最后幾頁，因為那些頁數通常有要點的總結。

Step 4: Create flashcards
Create flashcards by reviewing all the highlighted portions of your notes and textbook and writing one key piece of information on each index card.
第四步：做些抽認卡
在回顧筆記和課本中的要點部分后做些抽認卡，在每張索引卡上寫一條重要的信息。

Tip：Keep your energy high by drinking water to stay hydrated and eating snacks that raise your blood sugar without it crashing afterwards, like bananas.
小貼士:保持精力旺盛:通過喝水來保持生理機能，吃那些暫時能提高血糖的小吃，比如香蕉。

Step 5: Memorize
Memorize the material on your flashcards. Recite it out loud until you’re sure you’ve got it.
第五步：記憶
記憶抽認卡上的內容。大聲背誦直到確定自己已經掌握。

Tip：If you’re having trouble remembering something, write it down six or seven times in a row.
小貼士:如果你不擅長背東西，可以連著寫6遍或7遍。

Step 6: Sleep
Get some shut-eye. A Harvard study proved that eight hours of sleep before a test improves performance by 25 percent.
第六步：睡覺
要休息些。哈佛大學的研究表明考試前8小時的睡眠能使你在考場上的表現提高百分之二十五。

Step 7: Eat breakfast
Eat a hearty breakfast the day of the exam. Numerous studies prove that people perform mental tasks better on a full stomach.
第七步：吃早餐
在考試當天吃頓豐盛的早餐。很多研究表明吃飽后人們的思考力會更好。

Tip：Eat foods rich in complex carbohydrates and protein, like eggs and whole-wheat cereal or toast, so your energy lasts. Sugary foods will give you a quick rush and then leave you yawning in the test.
小貼士:吃那些富含碳水化合物和碳水化合物的食物，比如雞蛋和全麥谷類食物或烤面包，以便保持精力。甜食會使你血糖快速升高，令你在考試中打哈氣。

Step 8: Take your flashcards
Take your flashcards with you to your testing site and keep going over them until the exam begins.
第八步：隨身攜帶抽認卡
將抽認卡帶到考場，在考試開始前要一直回顧上面的內容。

Step 9: Relax
Right before the test starts, take several deep, slow breaths to help you relax.
第九步：放松
在考試馬上要開始時，進行幾次緩慢的深呼吸來讓自己放松。

Step 10: Take a nap
Take a nap after the test. Studies show it will help you retain what your learned—for the semester final.
第十步：打個盹
考試后打個盹。研究表明這樣會幫助記憶你所學過的內容，從而來對付期末考試。