What are the best ways to prepare for a major exam?

study.

Study.

Once u sit for preparing dont get up unless and until it is important. Schedule the work to be done in the early hours of the morning. Read upto 10hours a day.

Pass the Captain's exam first!

breathe , study... relax... and if ur confident wit the work.. dont stress about the exam... *breath in... and out*

I would say that you should open all your notes from that subject and revise them quite a few times. When you find that every single bit of information is in your head and ready to go, relaxe for a few days, then do it a couple of days before the exam. This worked for me well. Also if you do extension on the subject, you might find that it is very useful as well.

study and revise the whole thing again .. Understand wat u read .. and if possible write it down and check

Sit down in front of a great view, with a ice-blended mocha from Starbucks and a pack of cigarettes. Now, STUDY !!

Firstly determine exactly what is to be examined, there will be key concepts outlined in the beginning of your course or if not ask the teacher, lecturer the objectives, once you have this info then go through text and extract only pertinent info write this down, read and rewrite until you understand. Find out if exam will be multiple choice, written short answer or extended answer type paper. Prepare your responses accordingly I found it easy to make short acronyms for info I needed like for example "pear"this word to me stood for personal education achieved through reading.Make cards or sheets of paper with single words and stick them around your room so you see them, like on your mirror on end of bed etc, these are key words that allow you to remember elaboarate information. Most of all don't stress it is only a test of memory and understanding. Not everyone can remember even though they may be very good at understanding the work and applying it.