If your student studies for their college exam the way they studied in high school, they’re already behind.
And the worst part? Most students don’t realize this until it’s too late.

I learned this the hard way with my own son. He thought he could “look over his notes” the night before and call it studying. After all, that’s what worked in high school. But his first college exam hit him like a freight train — two hours long, multiple chapters deep, and barely a single question he expected. He walked out stunned.

And he’s not alone.

The truth is, college exams are designed to test more than just memory — they test maturity, discipline, and the ability to learn independently. And if no one warns you? You assume the test will be just like what you’re used to. That assumption sinks a lot of freshmen.

So let’s break this down.

10 Ways College Exams Are NOT Like High School Tests

1. They cover 4–6 chapters (or more).
There’s no “Chapter 2 quiz” anymore. Exams span multiple weeks of material — and they expect you to know how it all connects.

2. They’re worth 20–40% of your grade.
One test can tank your average or carry it. There are fewer chances to “make it up later.”

3. They’re more detailed and application-based.
It’s not just definitions. You’ll see case studies, problem-solving, applied scenarios — even on “easy” topics.

4. They take the entire class period (or longer).
You don’t finish in 20 minutes and get free time. You’ll work the whole 50–75 minutes, and maybe even the full 2–3 hours during finals.

5. They test what was taught AND what was assigned.
Didn’t read the chapter? Didn’t complete the practice problems? It’ll show.

6. You might not be told what’s on the test.
Professors don’t always give study guides. You’re expected to figure out what’s important.

7. They’re usually not multiple choice.
Short answer. Long answer. Essay. Open-ended problems. There’s no guessing your way through. If they are multiple choice, they aren't easy multiple choice.  

8. Your test may not even be graded on a curve.
Grading can be strict, and sometimes the class average is below passing. Yes, it's true.

9. You don’t get review days in class.
There’s no “Jeopardy review game” the day before. If you want a study guide, you’ll have to make your own.

10. They require planning, not just studying.
Cramming doesn’t work when you need 4-10 hours of quality prep — and other class work to keep up on.

For Parents: 5 Ways to Help Without Hovering

You want to support without becoming that parent. Here’s how:

1. Ask “What have you already done to prepare?”
   It shifts the responsibility back to your student without nagging.

2. Help them map out a study calendar.
   Even if they don’t ask — showing them how to break big tasks into daily chunks is life-changing.

3. Watch for panic signs.
   Sleepless nights, skipped meals, irritability — those are signs they waited too long.

4. Remind them to use office hours.
   Professors won’t reach out. Students have to advocate for themselves.

5. Model emotional regulation.
   If you’re freaking out about their grades, they’ll absorb that stress. Stay calm. Offer support. Encourage the reset.

For Students: 7 Ways to Prep Like an A-Student

1. Start early — even 10 minutes a day adds up.
   Use that 10-minute habit now, not the night before.

2. Make your own study guide.
   Pull key terms, formulas, lecture slides, and questions you don’t understand yet.

3. Use active strategies: quiz yourself, explain out loud, solve problems.
   Reading isn’t studying.  Neither is reviewing your notes.

4. Study in layers: review, quiz, test.
   Each layer helps cement knowledge deeper.

5. Meet with a study group or attend a review session.
   Don’t isolate yourself. Discussion reveals gaps in your understanding.

6. Use your professor’s learning objectives.
   They’re basically a cheat sheet for what to focus on.

7. Create a “test week calendar.”
   Block out time for each subject. Avoid letting one test derail everything else.

Feeling Behind? You’re Not Alone — But You Do Need a Plan.

If your student is already feeling overwhelmed or like it’s “too late to turn things around,” don’t panic — but don’t wait either.

🧠 Ace the Exam is my step-by-step course for students who want to study smarter, not harder — and finally ditch the cram-and-crash routine. It’s pulled straight from my signature system and gives your student everything they need to prep like a pro.

💡 Want to help your student reset now?
🎁 Parents: Download the 7-Day Reset Plan for free — a simple tool to help you guide your student back on track without power struggles.
🎓 Students: Sign up for the 7-Day Reset Mini Course and build new study habits this week.

Because what worked in high school won’t cut it now.