I've had friends ask for help studying for history classes, and it always leads to the same problem: history is not a science. There is no set body of information or list of facts that you can learn that certifies you as someone who "knows history." Every instructor has their own particular focus and emphasis. What one instructor considers important may not matter to another. If I were to give you my advice for how to approach the study of history, it would be entirely useless to you for the purpose of passing someone else's test.

The best thing you can do is to try to understand the nature of the test you will be taking to the best degree possible. Can you access previous versions of the test to see what sort of questions will be asked? Can you talk to people who have taken or administered the test in previous years to learn what sort of knowledge is expected of you? Is the test associated with a particular textbook or study guide that you could acquire? That would be the place to start.

I'm a big fan of making and reviewing timelines based on the material you're studying. History isn't just about "names and dates" but sitting down and putting things in order is a very effective way of actually taking in how things relate to each other. I then often post my completed timeline on my inside bedroom door to look at and think about, but that's my personal strategy, may not fit with your bedroom decor. ;-)

I would recommend going through your readings and taking notes on facts you think are crucial or that you really need to remember. I would also recommend trying to explain stuff you need to know for the test to a friend - talking out what you know helps me memorize.