Exam preparation tips
Give yourself enough time to study
DO not leave it until the last minute. While some learners seem to thrive on last-minute cramming, it is widely accepted that, for most of us, this is not the best way to approach an exam.
To help sort out your time management, prepare a timetable for your study. Write down how many exams you have and the days on which you have to sit them. Then organise your study accordingly. You may want to give some exams more study time than others, so find a balance that you feel comfortable with.
Organise your study space
Make sure you have enough space to spread out your textbooks and notes. Do you have enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Are your computer games out of sight?
Try to get rid of all distractions and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to focus as possible. For some people, this may mean almost complete silence. For others, background music helps.
Some of us need everything completely tidy and organised in order to concentrate, while others thrive in a more cluttered environment. Think about what works for you and take the time to get it right.
Use flow charts and diagrams
Visual aids can be really helpful when revising. At the start of a topic, challenge yourself to write down everything you already know about a topic and then highlight where the gaps lie.
Closer to the exam, condense your revision notes into one-page diagrams. Getting your ideas down in this brief format can then help you to quickly recall everything you need to know during the exam.
Practise on old exams
One of the most effective ways of preparing for exams is to practise taking past versions. This helps you get used to the format of the questions. If you time yourself, this can be good practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.
Explain your answers to others
Parents, little brothers and sisters do not have to be annoying around exam time. Use them to your advantage. Explain an answer to a question to them. That will help you to get it clear in your head and also to highlight any areas where you need more work.
Organise study groups with friends
Get together with friends for a study session. You may have questions they have the answers to, and vice versa. As long as you make sure you stay focused on the topic for an agreed amount of time, this can be one of the most effective ways of challenging yourself.
Take regular breaks
While you may think it is best to study for as many hours as possible, this can actually be counterproductive. If you were training for a marathon, you would not try to run 24 hours a day. Likewise, studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular breaks really helps.
But remember, everyone is different, so develop a study routine that works for you. If you study better in the morning, start early before taking a break at lunchtime. Or, if you are more productive at night-time, take a larger break earlier on so you are ready to settle down come evening.
Snack on brain food
You may feel you deserve a treat, or that you do not have time to cook, but what you eat can really have an impact on energy levels and focus, so keep away from junk food. Keep your body and brain well-fuelled by choosing nutritious foods that have been proven to aid concentration and memory, for example, fish, nuts, seeds, yoghurt and blueberries. The same applies on exam day.
Plan your exam day
Make sure you get everything ready well in advance of the exam. Do not leave it to the day before to suddenly realise you do not know the way, or what you are supposed to bring. Check all the rules and requirements, and plan your route and journey time. If possible, do a test run of the trip. If not, write down clear directions. Work out how long it will take to get there — then add on some extra time.
Drink plenty of water
Finally, remember that being well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its best. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision and also on the exam day. Good luck! — Wires