One trick I used to use when I was in school was writing out the information. Basically, I would read a paragraph and write down its key items - taking away all the extra words: (a; the; of; and..) Once I simplified what I was reading, the info made sense and it stuck in my mind.

I used to do this during test exams too. I would review my notes by rewriting them - again, taking away access words, and I would limit the info as well into a few cue cards. Then I would memorize. Also, I would pace around my apartment, reading my cue cards out loud. That helped as well. The next morning, I would review the cue cards on my way to school. Morning works best because that's the best time of day to retain information.

During my exams, I was always the first one to finish and I never received a mark below 90%.