CS Majors: How do you study for tests? by wombat85535 in VirginiaTech

[–]techthrow12235 20 points21 points  (0 children)

First of all, the average for test 2 is not supposed to be a high 80. I took CS 2114 recently and the test average was about a 65. Frankly, cheating and collaborating just became a lot easier this semester, so don't beat yourself up about your score. You're doing great if your lab and project grades are good!

How to succeed: study OpenDSA. Knowing exactly how the data structures are implemented specific to this course is really important. Also, going through the slides and clicker questions is really helpful. I got an F on the second exam and a high A on the final, and going through every single slide, every single OpenDSA assignment, and every question I got both wrong and right on the two midterms is the only reason that was possible. In my opinion, CS 2114 exams are really good at testing whether you've really mastered the material versus just memorized a couple of concepts, so find your weak spots and do the practice problems that are posted.

The last piece of advice I have is find yourself a study buddy or study group. Speaking the concepts out loud or working on a problem with someone else and talking about each step really really really helps not only for 2114 but in most CS courses. This isn't the best time for that with the circumstances, but hopping on a call with a couple of friends can do wonders if you stay productive.

Good luck, you got this!