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Read all assigned readings. Write down any new vocabulary, theories, models, graphs, or measures. Notate any questions you might have. Read an article's introduction and conclusion carefully. Authors often use the introduction to outline the lecture's material. The conclusion could serve as a summary and help you see if you missed anything. Plan to spend two hours of studying for every one hour in class. When taking your economics classes, try to sit in the front of the classroom. Your teacher is more likely to see you, recognize you, and be willing to help you. Additionally, there will be fewer distractions (e.g. other people's laptops) to keep you from the lecture. When your professor is giving a lecture, take thorough notes. While you don't need to copy every word she says, try to craft an outline of her ideas. Create a wide lefthand margin for summarizing content. Fill in each segment with sub-points and facts. Write down any important definitions. Leave a smaller righthand margin for your own thoughts on the material. If your professor says, "this will be on the exam," take note! If your professor provides a PowerPoint, fill in the presentation with extra details. It is unlikely she will give you all the information upfront. Taking notes by hand is actually better for memory retention than taking notes on a laptop. If you have time, take notes by hand and later type them. Draw your own versions of graphs. When your professor draws a graph to illustrate a concept on the blackboard, draw your own version. Even if she gives you a print out, practice drawing and labeling the graph. You likely will need to reproduce this skill later. Focus on the connection between ideas that your professor is explaining or has mentioned previously. Aim to understand the logic between numbers in a mathematical problem. If you don't understand the concept, draw a question mark in your notes and ask a classmate or your TA later. You are more likely to remember what happened in class if you participate. Ask questions when you have them. Answer questions that you know. Engage in debates. Offer to draw graphs. Many classes have a participation grade but even if they don't, being an active learner will help you get better grades. Use class time to clarify misunderstandings about the material being covered rather than to ask logistical questions. For example, rather than asking "What's the reading for next week?," look at your syllabus. A good question would be, "Could you please explain how you produced that figure? I did not quite understand." When you get your exam, immediately write down any formulas, theories, or key terms that you think you might want to recall during the test. Read the entire test and pay attention to how many points are given to each section. Read all directions slowly and carefully. Then begin with questions about which you feel confident. Keep in mind requirements for your writing equipment. If you must use a pen, do so. Look to see if any questions are similar to questions you went over in class. When answering multiple choice or true or false questions, look out for words like "never, sometimes, always, or none." Be sure your answer fits an answer for whichever word is included. For essay questions, be sure to include a graph if one is asked for. Follow the directions carefully. If the prompt says to "explain" something, do so. If it asks you to draw a diagram and identify certain markers, do this as well. Write legibly and budget your time wisely.

Summary:
Prepare before class. Sit toward the front. Take good notes. Participate in class. Be a smart test-taker.