You wake up and realize your exam is in a couple of days. You freak out and start to feel overwhelmed by thoughts of not being able to pass. It’s a situation that resonates with many because so many of us experienced the struggle.
Based on a North American study, it’s estimated that over 70 percent of students exhibit procrastination. You are not alone. In this video, we discuss last minute tips to ace your exams.
1. Mix up our study environment
A different environment can actually make studying much more effective. Putting yourself in a location where other people are also hard at work can really motivate you to study better. Settle on a place with the least distractions, like the campus library. Sure, you can always opt for your bedroom, but it is crunch time and there’s a possibility you could be studying late into the night, so it’s best to choose a place where you can eliminate the distraction of sleep.
2. Skip the textbooks
The first thing people reach for when it comes to studying is the textbook. But time is limited now. Skip the textbooks and focus on the class notes or slides prepared by your teacher. You can also search for summaries of chapters online.
3. Resist the urge to use social media
Sure, it would be great to take a break but social media isn’t a good way to feel refreshed. If you need external help from these unnecessary distractions, there’s an app called Self-Control that will just do the trick. The app is simple to use and helps block social media apps on your smartphone.
4. Read it out loud
By studying out loud, it’s easier to retain information. You will be more focused on what you are reading.
5. Don’t Panic
Yes, it’s easier said than done, but it’s important to calm yourself down and study on. Panicking reduces your concentration and you may end up studying much less than you could have in a relaxed state of mind. Simply take deep, slow breaths and focus on the necessary task.
6. Eat and Drink well
Make sure you drink plenty of water while studying to keep you hydrated. Eat well so that you do not feel tired but avoid oily food and over-eating as this can make you sleepy. Eat foods with high carbs to give you energy.
7. Get everything ready for the morning
The last thing you want to be doing on the morning of your exam is rushing around looking for something vital. Get everything ready the day before. Put together all your pens, pencils, erasers, etc.
8. Think positive
You have done your revision, and it will be fine. It is, after all, only an exam, and not the end of the world. A positive attitude is likely to help you more than anything else tomorrow.
9. Sleep
It is one of the most important and most frequently ignored tips for scoring better at exams. Our brains are at their best when they are rested. If you sit for an exam while exhausted, you will have a much harder time recalling the information you need to earn a high score.
10. Practice past year exam papers and important questions
Revise with practice papers, sample papers and previous years question papers. This will not only help you to track your performance but also make you comfortable with the examination like situation.
