A new exam season is upon us and it seems that students have no other desire than to pass! Well, and maybe to stay healthy.
So, you were already planning to barricade yourself in the library? If so, you’re either crazy, or you don’t know any better strategies for studying for exams. Of course you want to study smarter, not harder. And you probably will, because you stumbled upon our article! It contains 10 scientifically proven tips that show you how to study effectively and avoid the pre-exam nightmare. Follow them and make it to the final!
1. Figure out how your test will go.
First. Start preparing by determining the test format. Will it be a multiple-choice test, a listening test, an essay, or something else? It is very important to answer this question. First, because each test format requires a specific preparation technique. Second, because you don’t want to be shocked in the exam room.
If you don’t have information about the format of the test, feel free to ask a teacher or classmate. If possible, look for tests from previous years – they are generally similar in structure and content.
2. make inspection the only goal
Very often test anxiety is exacerbated by other stressful situations. Today, many students are overwhelmed by homework for all other classes, and by family and work obligations. They cannot concentrate on two things at once and risk failing at both.
To avoid such an unfortunate outcome, take care of other matters before you begin your preparations. If possible, take time off and find someone to do your assignments. Try to get your work done before the start of the exam season. If it is late and almost impossible to get your assignments done on time, seek professional help.
The team of qualified editors can help you with any kind of writing problem, from essays to memoirs. They have helped thousands of students around the world improve their grades. Don’t let fear defeat you! Let Graduates take care of your boring papers and give your full attention to your exams.
3.study of part of a session
So you hope to learn everything overnight by reading your notes over and over again? Well, that’s not a good idea. In fact, it can do more harm than good by overloading your brain.
Instead, try to divide the program into several parts and learn one part at a time. Open a notebook and draw a short study plan. Set a realistic goal and the amount of time you want to spend on each. Here’s some advice from experts: a session should cover one topic and last 20 to 30 minutes.
When you’re done with some of the material, take a break! Go out, have a glass of your favorite drink – do whatever you want. Keep your mind free of exam-related thoughts. Give your brain 10 to 15 minutes to reset and you can study productively again.
4. Organize your workspace
If you have been planning to clean up your office for months, now is the best time! A well-organized study will put your mind at ease. Before you begin, make sure all unnecessary papers and pens that don’t work are in the trash. Wipe the surface of your desk clean. Lay out all the office supplies you may need during your studies. You should already have pens and paper, but also consider a whiteboard and sticky bills. Choose a comfortable chair and good lighting.
And the most important advice is to listen to your body and find out what works for you. Some people need complete silence to study, while others prefer to listen to background music. If you work more efficiently in a café than at home, go ahead!
5. Distract yourself from all distractions.
So you have set up your offices and made your study plan. Now you can concentrate on the upcoming exam.
Easy for you to say! There are so many things that can distract you and interrupt your learning process. If you want to learn effectively, you need to get rid of anything that might grab your attention. Put all your devices aside and don’t touch them while you are learning. If you are willing to do this, you will do great!
Unfortunately, most students cannot resist the urge to view social media or respond to messages. If you are one of them, look for an application that blocks or limits access to certain websites for a certain period of time. You can also ask a friend or family member to give you a password for your gadget. But make sure they remember the password!
6. not to get stuck in a study place.
“Then why did I have to clean out my desk?” – you ask.
According to experts, a change in environment causes your brain to remember the same information. Simply put, your brain considers learning materials to be more useful and worth retaining. So when you’re in the exam room, you won’t be as shocked and will easily remember everything you’ve learned.
Another tip: try preparing for an exam in a classroom or library – they are almost identical to the halls where exams are usually held. So why not train your brain to work in a similar environment?
Reading notes outside in the fresh air is not a bad idea either. So choose places that are more comfortable for you and try new ones!
7. use visual groups
Visual memory is one of the most important components of learning. Why is that? Scientists say that 80-85% of cognition is transmitted through sight. To make the information come to you better, mark the most important parts of the curriculum and turn them into information sheets. Write down dates, formulas, mnemonics and other delicate items and hold them in front of your eyes. Stick them on a whiteboard or put them in your pocket. Remember to do a 10-minute check at least once a day.
Another good idea is to use a mobile app to create flashcards – that way learning becomes a game!
8. group with your friends
This kind of work is not for everyone, but if you have the team spirit, a study group is the way to go. Find friends and get together as often as you need to. It’s a great opportunity to compare notes, exchange study tips, answer questionnaires, and discuss difficult or controversial concepts.
Caution, now. The group method only works if all members of the group are responsible and disciplined.
Tip: Before each group meeting, designate one person to delegate tasks (choosing the location, refreshments and music). Take turns.
9. Sleep and eat well.
This is my favorite part! I would never fail if that was my only learning tip.
Well, joking aside, it is proper sleep that converts your short-term memory (what you just learned) into long-term memory (what you can remember while sitting in the exam room). Many students stay up until morning to finish study material and worry if they are missing important information. In order for your brain to learn, you need 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night.
Don’t forget to eat well. Reduce sugar to avoid confrontation and irritability. Eat fish, eggs, avocados and nuts – these foods contain healthy fats that fuel your brain.
If you drink coffee normally, continue to do so, otherwise avoid caffeinated beverages. A rapid increase in caffeine levels can cause anxiety and restlessness in people who are easily aroused. Keep your energy levels up by staying well hydrated.
10. Participate in review meetings.
Exam time is a great way to prepare for a test, but most students don’t take advantage of it. Remember, exam time is not a time for laziness! Find out when your teacher offers an evaluation or ask them to organize one. In most schools, teachers review the questions that are likely to appear on the exam and help students with the most difficult parts of the material. They may also give you a handout with additional information and practical problems to solve.
The day before the exam, think about the questions you want to ask your teacher. This is exactly the right time to clarify any questions that seem unclear to you.
Now that you know how to prepare effectively, you can get started. Try these training tips! We wish you success!
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Frequently asked questions
How can I take the exam without studying?
12 tips for passing exams without studying – Career
How do you prepare yourself for the exam?
Is ten days enough to prepare for the exam?
Give yourself 7 to 10 days and if you study well and stay focused, you will be able to pass the exam.
