Exam Planning: Ten Studying Advice

Getting ready for exams? Use these top 10 study strategies to give yourself the best chance possible, and try not to allow the pressure get to you. Keep in mind that you can do this.

1-Give yourself adequate study time.

Avoid procrastinating until the last minute. Although some students appear to thrive on last-minute cramming, it is generally agreed that this is not the greatest strategy for most of us when taking an exam. Make a study timetable to assist you organise your time management. Note the number of exams you have as well as the dates on which you must take them. Afterward, set up your study correctly. Find a balance that seems right for you. You might want to devote more study time to some examinations than others.

2-Make your study area organised.

To spread out your textbooks and notes, make sure you have enough space. Is there enough light? Does your chair feel cosy? Are your video games hidden from view?

Make sure you are as comfortable and able to focus as you can be by eliminating any distractions. This may entail near total silence for some people while background music is beneficial for others. While some of us require things to be perfectly clean and ordered in order to focus, others do better in a messier setting. Consider what works for you, and give it the attention it deserves.

3-Graphs and flowcharts are useful.

When revising, visual aids can be quite beneficial. Write down all of the information you already know about a subject at the beginning of the topic, then identify any gaps. Reduce your review notes into one-page diagrams as the exam date approaches. Writing down your thoughts in this condensed style can make it easier for you to rapidly recollect all the information you need to know throughout the exam.

4-practise with previous tests

Exam preparation is one of the most efficient strategies to be ready for tests. This aids in becoming accustomed to the format of the questions and, if timed, can serve as useful practise for ensuring that you devote the appropriate amount of attention to each part.

5-Describe your responses to others.

It's not necessary for parents and younger siblings to bother you during exam season. Utilize them to your benefit. Tell them how to respond to a question. That will aid in your mental clarity and assist you identify any areas that require additional effort.

6-Form study groups with your buddies.

Bring your pals together for a study session. They might have answers to questions you have, and you might have the opposite. This might be one of the best methods to challenge yourself, provided you make sure to pay attention to the subject for the allotted length of time.

7-Take periodic pauses.

Even though you might believe it's preferable to study for as long as you can, this can actually work against you. You wouldn't attempt to run nonstop when preparing for a marathon. Similarly, studies have shown that taking regular breaks is extremely helpful for long-term memory retention.

Since everyone is unique, choose a study schedule that suits you. Start early and take a break for lunch if you learn best in the morning. Or, if you work better at night, take a longer break earlier so you're ready to unwind when evening rolls around.

Try not to feel guilty about enjoying the sunshine instead of spending all day studying. Keep in mind that vitamin D is necessary for a healthy brain.

8-Consume brain food

Avoid eating junk food despite your feelings that you deserve a treat or don't have time to prepare it because it might have a negative impact on your energy and concentration. Choose healthy meals that have been shown to improve memory and focus, such as fish, almonds, seeds, yoghurt, and blueberries, to keep your body and brain well-fueled. The same rule applies on test day: eat a healthy lunch before the exam, consisting of foods that will release energy gradually throughout. Although sugar may appear attractive, an hour later, your energy levels will drop.

9-Schedule your exam day.

Don't wait until the day of the exam to realise you don't know how to get there or what to bring; make sure everything is ready well in advance. Plan your route and travel time after reviewing all the guidelines. Run the trip through a test run if you can. If not, jot down detailed instructions.

Determine how long it will take to get there, then multiply by a little bit. You really don't want to arrive after having to sprint halfway or exhausted from getting lost. If you know your friends or classmates will arrive on time, you could arrange to travel to the exam together.

10-Take in a lot of water.

One last piece of advice: keep in mind that proper hydration is crucial for optimal brain function. On the day of the exam, as well as throughout your revision, make sure to continue drinking lots of water.

Good fortune!