how do you fully prepare for an exam?

Answer 1

The way I used to do it was:

1) Go through all the notes for the exam. Usually a semester is divided into 3 exams or so (or if for a final exam, all your notes from the semester). Re-write the significant points onto an 8 1/2 x 11 paper. (as if you were going to use this paper as a cheat sheet).

2) Do same with all relevant reading material if you are using a text.

3) Study that paper for the exam.