This seems obvious, but when professors don't take attendance, the temptation to skip class can be overwhelming. Showing up for class helps you understand the material and, more importantly, helps you understand what the professor considers most important. When it comes time to take the test, you'll be glad you were in class ready to take notes.

Taking good notes is key for successful studying—after all, you need to have strong, clear material to review! The goal is to take great notes during class, but this is often easier said than done. Try bulleting key points of the lecture, avoiding too much extraneous information. Consider re-writing or typing your notes after class to find any gaps in material. Fill in with textbook information or meet with your professor to clear up any questions you have.