Exam Preparation 101
Written By Annelie Edge
With exams coming up, studying can seem like a daunting endeavour. Here are a few tips and tricks that can hopefully help to ease the stress while you prepare.
Before even opening up your books to study, I would recommend doing these 3 things;
Make a list of everything you’d like to get done before the exam and brainstorm different ways to study for each subject.
Outline a basic study plan on a calendar, making sure that everything on your list has an allocated day on which you will complete it, and that high-priority tasks are done ASAP.
Make a list of learning goals that you want to achieve each study session.
The plan you create will help you manage your time and enable you to have efficient and effective study sessions. However, remember to keep your goals realistic. If you set too much work for yourself you may feel overwhelmed and be tempted to enter the procrastination cycle.
Now to back up even further than this, it’s important to understand how to study. There are lots of study methods available, and the best one can vary from subject to subject. It takes time to figure out your optimal method of studying as it is different for everybody… so if you’re at a loss for what to do, here are a few different methods for you to try to start you off:
Use Quizlet (Online resource that helps you memorise terms and definitions)
Watch Khan Academy to help explain different concepts or topics
Watch Youtube videos that can break down a difficult idea
Rewrite your keynotes in different colours to help retain information
Practice previous exam questions
Complete a timed practice exam
Record yourself explaining a concept, then listen back to see if you can explain it in the clearest and most concise way possible
Use online educational resources such as textbook questions or Stile
Listen to podcasts about the topics you’re studying
Write down everything you can remember from a topic, then go through your notes and fill in anything you missed with another colour - this active recall technique allows you to focus revision on things you’ve forgotten
Ask your teacher for extra work - they have plenty of resources; all you have to do is ask!
Once you’ve got these basics ironed out, there are a few extra things that can help your focus and productivity during the exam period. While you study, it helps to have a quiet and comfortable environment, even if you’re studying with friends. Placing your phone out of your line of vision can also help minimise distractions. Many find that recording a time-lapse video of themselves studying reduces the urge to pick up their phone, as well as gives them the motivation to keep studying for as long as possible.
Maintaining a healthy and consistent routine is also crucial during the exam period. Sacrificing sleep or exercise for studying is not healthy, and will be more detrimental than beneficial. As overwhelming as exams may seem, it’s important to continue socialising, exercising, and sleeping as you would normally, as well as taking frequent breaks while studying. A healthy body is a healthy mind, so make sure to prioritise physical and mental health during this time too.
Have fun studying, and good luck on your upcoming exams!
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