When studying for any exam, apply these ten tips, but you may want to give some exams more preparation time than others, being that some exams are more on how challenging an exam is, so find a balance you feel comfortable with by reading our guide on the 10 best study tips for exams.
Organize your room for learning. Using maps and graphs of flows. Practice on questions from old tests. Explain to others the answers. Organize groups of friends to learn. Take breaks frequently. Brain Food Snack. Plan your day for the test.
Below are 10 best study tips you can apply while preparing for your exams
1. Give Yourself Enough Time to Study
Don’t stop studying until the last minute. Although some students seem to thrive on last-minute cramming, it is widely accepted that this is not the best way to take the examination (for most of us). Set up a schedule for your study to help sort out your time management. Write down how many tests you’re going to run, and how many days you’ll need to sit them. Then organize your studies. Some examinations may want to give you more time than others so find a balance with which you feel comfortable.
2. Organize Your Study Space
Ensure that your textbooks and notes are spreading sufficiently. Do you have sufficient light in your area of study? Is your chair comfort? Are you out of sight for your computer and phone(s)?
Try to remove every distraction and make sure you feel comfortable and can concentrate as much as you can. This can mean near silence for some people, and background music helps others. Some people need it all completely neat and organized to concentrate, while others thrive in a harder environment. Consider what works for you and take the time to correct this.
3. Use Flow Charts and Diagrams
When revising, visual aids can really help. At the beginning of the topic, ask yourself to write all you know about the topic and then point out where the gaps lie. Condense your review notes to one page diagrams nearer to the examination. You can then find your ideas in this short format and quickly remember everything you need to know during the examination.
4. Practice with Past Exam Question Papers
The practice with past papers is one of the most efficient ways to prepare for exams. This helps you to get acquainted with the format of your questions and can also be good practice if you spend the right time on each section.
5. Explain Your Answers to Others
There should be no nuisance or distraction to parents and younger siblings around the time you examine, take it to your benefit. Explain a reply to a question; teach them some of the content you concentrate on. This will help you to make it clear in your mind and also highlight areas in which more work is needed.
6. Organize Study Groups with Friends
Take a study session with friends. Try and come up with likely questions to answer. As long as you make sure you focus on the topic for a fixed period of time, this can be one of the most effective ways of confrontation.
7. Take Regular Breaks
Though you might think that you should research as long as you can, this can really be counterproductive. You wouldn’t want to run 24 hours a day if you were training for a marathon. Studies have also shown that taking daily breaks really allows for the long-term retention of skills.
Everyone is different, therefore, build your study routine. If you are happier studying in the morning, go to bed before you start studying early the next day. Or if at night you are more active, calm down and start studying when you come home.
8. Snack on Brain Food
You may feel like you deserve a treat or have no time to prepare, but what you eat may have a serious effect on your energy levels and concentration and thus keep you away from junk food. Keep up the mind and body with the option of healthy foods that have shown support for memory and concentration such as fish, nozzles, seeds, yogurt and blueberries.
The same goes for an assessment day – eat a nice dinner before the test (foods that will provide a slow release of energy throughout the day). Sugar can appear enticing, but one hour later your power levels collapse.
9. Plan your Exam Day
Make sure you are all ready before the test – do not wait until the day before you unexpectedly find out where your tests will take place or what you are to bring. Review and comply with all laws and standards.
Use your time wisely to arrive 30 minutes prior to the beginning of your test. You don’t ever want to get exhausted because you had to sprint halfway or feel scared. You may also intend to travel with your friends or classmates for the test, as long as you know that they are possibly timely.
10. Hydrate Yourself
Finally, note that it is vital for your brain to function very well to be completely hydrated. Make sure that before and on the examination day you keep drinking plenty of water.
Additional Tips
- Get a good start in class-pay attention and take good notes
- Study in a quiet room
- Turn off electronic devices when studying
- Only play music if it helps you (instrumental musics are very good for the brain)
- Write a study guide
- Review previous tests and assignments
- Start studying as soon as possible
- Stay motivated
- Take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes
- Get enough sleep the night before
- Eat a healthy breakfast and bring a snack
