If you are a student, then you know that there is no time as stressful as exam week. Exams have the ability to break the will of the strongest people, simply by promoting stress and frustration. However, if you are sufficiently prepared for your exams, then the likelihood of you having a breakdown or failing your paper will dramatically decrease.
That is why below we will be looking at practical tips that you can implement while studying for exams, therefore, ensuring that you have the upper hand when exam week rolls in.
1. Take good notes and study hard during the semester
While many students love to start studying right before exam week, it is wise to start studying from the classroom. Begin by paying attention to what your lecturer is saying, and participate in discussions and debates as this will allow you to absorb knowledge better.
Furthermore, as an active learner it is important to take down good notes, so ensure that all the information that your teacher writes on the board or puts up on slides is jotted down. By recording this information you reduce the stress put on you come exam time.
Furthermore, review your notes after class, in an attempt to reinforce what you have learned.
2. Take study breaks
Once you start studying, you might be scared of getting up and taking a break, for fear of losing your rhythm. However, it is important to take regular study breaks as this assists your brain in absorbing more information.
Additionally, study breaks boost your focus and motivation when you are working hard. It is recommended for you to take a study break after 50 minutes of studying, any longer than this and you may impair your concentration.
3. Rewrite your notes
The first thing you need to do is to ensure that you have all handouts and information relevant to your course. The second thing you need to do is organize all of the information that you have collected.
Once you have done this, it will be helpful for you to write down your own summaries of the notes you have, as this helps you absorb information better. Rewriting your notes also helps you eliminate unnecessary information and streamlines your studying process.
4. Practice on old exam papers
It is also important for you to locate old exam papers relevant to your course so that you can begin to familiarize yourself with the format of the exam you are about to take.
You can also use these papers to practice questions and answers within the set time limits. Practicing sample answers also trains your brain to efficiently retrieve information.
5. Ask for help
If you are struggling on a particular subject, it is not wrong for you to ask for help. You can talk to your lecturer or your fellow students, and they can give you insight into what you are struggling with.
Group studies have also been proven to be beneficial, as they provide you with different approaches to the same problem.
6. Prioritize subjects
Many students believe that the smart thing to do is to spread their energy across the different subjects that you will be examined. However, it is smarter to spend more time on the difficult subjects, as this allows you to be strong in multiple areas as opposed to just one.
7. Look after your health
A lot of students often neglect their health during the studying period. When you are focused on exam preparation you might forget to eat well and take care of yourself, and this will prove detrimental if you get sick on exam dates. So remember to look after your health.
8. Don’t cram the night before
Cramming for your exam might seem like a great idea; however, it is proven to be ineffective. I would recommend for you to review the main points you have already studied, as learning new information the night before the exam will not work.
Also remember to have a good night’s sleep so that you wake up refreshed.
9. Find out about the exam
Know the ins and outs of your exam- what type of exam it is, how much the exam is worth to your overall mark, and will there be a choice of tasks. This ensures that you are sufficiently prepared and not surprised during the exam.
10. Walk before an exam
Cardio exercises have been proven to boost brain power and memory, so take a short walk before your exam to improve your performance.
11. Draw diagrams
Some people work better using alternative study methods, and drawing diagrams has been shown to assist in the visualization of information. This helps you retrieve information better during an exam.
12. Eliminate Distractions
There are many distractions around us, such as the TV, music, websites, and mobile phones. Study in a quiet room without distractions so that you can focus on the task at hand.
With these tips above you should be on the right track to prepare for your exams. Remember, don’t worry, if you have studied sufficiently then you can pass with flying colors. Best of luck to you!
I’m a procrastinator. I only study a day or two before the day of exam and easily get distracted. I repeat the same matras every year: This is gonna be the last time and Why didn’t I do it sooner? I really need tips on how to stop procrastinating. Seriously, too much pressure.