Examination time can be very stressful as it puts a lot of pressure on students to perform well. However, there are several things that you can do to prepare more effectively for your exams.
While completing your curriculum is critical for most exams, at the same time, it is also essential to use your time efficiently. It is a myth that students should study for 12 to 14 hours a day to get high scores, which is only practical in some situations.
It is essential to focus on how much you have studied rather than how long. In this post, we will discuss the best exam preparation tips for students to help them study smarter and excel academically.
1. Start Your Preparation Early
Starting early with your exam preparation will give you ample time to review everything you have already studied. So do not leave anything for the last moment, and make sure you understand your subject thoroughly. This will make revision much more effortless.
You can also set up a timetable to manage your time effectively. First, note down how many exams you have and the days when you have to take them. Then, set up your study schedule accordingly.
2. Organize Your Space For Study
Before sitting down to prepare for your exams, ensure everything around you is organized. You should have enough space around you to keep your notes and textbooks. Also, you need to ensure that your chair is comfortable, there is enough lighting in your room, and there is nothing around you that might distract you, like video games.
When preparing for exams, you need to feel as comfortable as possible and avoid all distractions to concentrate more on studying. You must also sort out all your study material before beginning the preparation.
Therefore, put your notes in order, check you have all the handouts, write down your summaries for each chapter of your textbook, and prepare an outline of the subject so that you can use it as a last-minute referral.
3. Review and Practice Old Exam Papers
Reviewing and practicing old exam papers is one of the most effective ways to learn how to prepare for exams. It helps you to familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the question paper.
Try timing yourself when practicing the old exam paper. This will help you know how much time you spend on each section.
You can get past exam papers from your teacher, your university library, or even search online.
4. Set Study Goals
For each study session, set a goal to keep track of what you are studying or revising. You can write down your study goals as soon as you start your study session or set them for the next one. Here are some examples of study goals you can select:
- I will work through at least five equations.
- I will go through and summarize chapters 5 and 6.
- I will understand and learn the fundamental concepts taught in week 2 to 4 lectures.
5. Describe Your Answers To Others
Parents and siblings do not always have to be irritating, especially around your exam time. To stop them from distracting you, use them to your advantage and start describing the answers that you have prepared for them. This will help you to retain things and know the areas where you are lacking and need more work.
6. Take Regular Intervals
While studying for more hours may result in more productivity, it’s the opposite, and it might just wholly drain you out, leaving you with no energy to study and retain knowledge. So it’s essential to take regular breaks for longer retention of information and to freshen up your mind.
Everyone is different, so what works for you might not work for others. When building a study routine, consider taking intervals when it works best for you. For instance, take your break early if you study better at night. And if you are more productive in the morning, start studying before taking a break during lunchtime.
7. Plan your Exam Day and Sleep Well
Make sure you have everything ready way before the day of your exam, and do not leave anything for the last day. Check all the requirements and make all the other necessary arrangements.
Also, decide which route you will take on the examination day and see how long it will take you to reach the destination. This will help you to arrive on time at the examination Centre and avoid being late.
8. Drink Lots of Water
As one of the most vital tips for exam day, always remember that keeping yourself hydrated will improve your overall positive mood and make your brain work at its best.
So, drink plenty of water while preparing for and even during
9. Choose Eating Nutritious Foods
While studying, you may be tempted to eat junk food, which can impact your energy levels. So avoid junk food and make sure you are eating nutritious and well-balanced meals that are good for your memory and concentration, such as seeds, nuts, fish, blueberries, and yogurt.
Also, consider eating a healthy meal before the exam day that will provide a slow release of energy throughout the day. Remember that you might crave sweet food, but it will crash your energy levels an hour later.
Conclusion
You must consider the exam tips and tricks for students mentioned above to get the most out of your exams. However, there might be other things that work better for you, so explore every option and ask your friends to find out how they prepare for their exams — some of their final exam study tips might also help you.
You can even seek guidance from your teachers at school.
