U-M gathered data such as GPA, test scores, SES, and gender, on almost 50,000 physics students over fourteen years, with GPA acting as the primary predictor of students' grades in the physics course. Students who performed on the extreme ends, earning grades of better than expected or worse than expected, evaluated based on their personal goals and predictions, were interviewed to gather their strategies for studying. U-M then asked students who received a B+ or higher for insight into what their study habits and strategies were. Based on this information gathered, E^2 was developed and used as an optional student resource tool to provide useful test-taking skills, motivation, and advice for the excelling in the course.