Exam Preparation…Tips!
It’s that time of the semester- the time I start counting down to at the beginning of each semester and when procrastination does the most.
If only there was another way to wrap up the semester, a way which didn’t include sitting for a 3-hour exam in Detsar. At times you barely even have enough time to prepare for the number of papers awaiting you- especially if they’re all scheduled in the same week, or worse on the same day!
This is a really stressful period for many, myself included. I for one can never be prepared fully for exam until it’s over (you’ll always find me going through my notes for the tenth time until I’ve sat for it). Below is a compilation of exam revision tips that seem to work for me. And don’t let procrastination win, get started on that revision as soon as you’re done here!
Mood setting.
Stay motivated, be in an environment where everyone has their focus game on, not gossiping. Preferably a quiet area, not in a chill out area. There are a number of study spots around campus, and also a number of chilled cafes. From my experience, it’s better to be alone but it differs for each people.
Set aside time to actually study.
I would have start your exam preparation earlier in term of days, but we’re guilty of procrastination to the last minute. I prefer waking up early to study as your mind is fresh and most active at this time of the day. Fun fact: coffee is most effective if you drink it at least an hour after getting up because within this hour your brain produces its own stimulants.
So if you’ve made up your mind to wake up early to study as soon as the sun hits your face, don’t be demotivated if you find yourself waking up in the afternoon. I used to feel like I had wasted a whole day and postpone my studies to the next day.
Hold up! There is still time for you to study.
Never, I repeat, never let unpredictable events spoils the rest of your day. Be flexible. Adapt.
Study with a purpose.
If you’re lost and do not know where to begin studying, go through the objectives of the course. What are your course learning outcomes (CLO) of each chapter. Textbooks are filled with a lot of information, if you are able to distinguish between the important and unnecessary stuff, you will definitely save a lot of time and your brain cells.
Jot down important notes.
The important part of exam prep is to review what you have done during the semester, but merely reading the materials even if you are familiar with them, this will help you retain the information for the exam. If possible, summarise whatever you have learnt in your own words. Make bullet points. Write the keywords.
Practice past papers.
This is a classic, but so many at times we get so immersed in reading all the materials and making notes that we forget to go through past exam papers. This is the most important part of exam preparation.
Pro tip: If you are making last minute exam preparation, go through the past papers first, using your notes and materials as a reference. Spot your weaknesses, these are the topics you should focus on after. Sometimes, our time is so precious you just can’t fit everything into your study schedule .So choose wisely.
Pomodoro study technique.
Take a task. Set your timer to 30 minutes. Study for those 30 minutes, then take a 5 minute break sharp. Then, continue for another 30 minutes and take another 5 minute break. At the fourth cycle, you can extend you break to about 20 minutes. These numbers are flexible. You can adapt to your own preference, I study for an hour with at least 10 minutes breaks in between hours.
Teach someone else.
Some of us are more productive in group study sessions, as long as everyone is serious about not failing their exams. One way to make use of the urge to talk with your friends is to simply teach them what you have studied. Then, encourage then to do the same. This may spark fruitful conversions!
Teaching is really the best method of learning.
Treaty treat.
At the end of a productive day, I definitely deserve a treat.
If you have studied all day, feel free to go out for dinner with some friends, get chocolate, or buy something nice for yourself (mini shopping trips?) This way, you will feel more accomplished and are motivated to work even harder the next day.
Good night rest before the exam.
Sleep is the most important of all, because it allows everything you have studied to be transferred to your long- term memory. This will help you retain the information you’ve studied and apply it in your exam.
So please, make time for sleep. At least 7 hours.