Succeeding in exams involves careful planning and giving yourself enough time to learn and process concepts before the exam date. In this article, we will explore some of the best study strategies for different types of learners. The key is to be honest with yourself about what you know and what you need to work on. With the tips for improving concentration and focus during studying, you can overcome the stress before your exams and give your best.
Table of Contents
Set goals and develop a study plan
As soon as you get your exam schedule, the pre-exam stress starts to set in. The planning and study goals you set before the exam date is what really matters for your success. So how do you create your study goals before the exam? You would think that a simple revision of the entire curriculum would be perfect for the exam preparation but it requires more thinking than that. By making SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound), you can manage the pre-exam panic. After figuring out your goals, you should know how to create an effective study schedule and stick to it.
Choose a study environment that works for you
The importance of choosing a conducive space for studying is often undermined by students. Choosing a quiet space that is free from all kinds of distractions will put you in focus mode and increase your productivity in a short period of time. This can be a library, a computer center, a study cafe, etc.
Stay focused and motivated during your study sessions
You can lose motivation if you get stuck somewhere and can’t understand something. This leads to an increase in stress and might deviate you from your study schedule. Here are some tips to avoid this discouragement:
- You can get a study buddy or a study group and stay engaged during study sessions. This will also help you stay on schedule and give you an opportunity to discuss complicated topics
- Reward yourself for achieving your study goals. This will build up your motivation and there is no better way to encourage yourself
- Have a positive mindset and a healthy approach towards learning so that you can get through the hurdles of your tough college curriculum
Determine the best study technique for you
Figuring out your learning style is one of the most important parts of having a consistent study schedule. You will learn more and retain better if you know which form of learner you are because there are different study techniques for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. Ask yourself whether you learn better from your written notes or by watching a tutorial on YouTube? Or do you want a more tactile way of learning through experience? Stick to the most efficient method and you will be able to recall the information more quickly.
Take effective notes and review material regularly
Effective note-taking and reviewing techniques for better retention is an important part of studying efficiently for your exams. You will be tested on the information that is delivered during the lecture so noting down the main key points during the lecture is essential. Use symbols and short phrases as an effective note taking strategy during class and then when you review them, make diagrams and flowcharts for your understanding.
Make use of study aids, such as flashcards or summaries
As discussed above, using graphical presentation of concepts is very effective to solidify your understanding of the subject. There are many study aids online to make flash cards and condense information into compact diagrams that will help you revise before the exam day. You will feel more confident during revision when the concepts are written and summarised by you.
Use technology and apps to enhance your study routine
If you know how to use technology and apps to enhance your exam preparation, you can increase your focus and productivity. There are apps to time your study minutes and relaxation minutes. The Pomodoro method is popular with students who have a small attention span. You can also try note taking apps like Evernote if you are not a big fan of writing things down. Egenda can help you make a study schedule and stick to it. The more you explore these apps, the more interesting you can make your study process.
Practice good time management and avoid procrastination
As a college student, knowing how to avoid procrastination and stay motivated during exam preparation is important to maintain a good GPA. If you feel lazy about following your study schedule, you need to create some motivation to keep going. Good time management means knowing your priorities and learning to say no when you have something more important to do.
Practice test-taking strategies and techniques
After you have studied and absorbed all the information, you need to create a simulation of the exam day by giving yourself timed practice tests to attempt. The techniques you develop while taking these practice tests will help you feel more confident on the exam day and tackle each question with a tried strategy.
Take care of your physical and mental health while studying
Your health is something you can not ignore because the exam preparation period is very exhausting. You need to be perfectly healthy in order to exert yourself and stay on schedule. You should be consuming three meals a day and getting enough sleep every night for your brain and body to function at their best. Your mental health should also be taken care of so get some exercise, practise mindfulness practices and take breaks while studying to stay sane. Follow healthy habits and nutrition tips for exam preparation and you will tackle all your studies with a positive approach.
Manage test anxiety and stress during exams
This is part of taking care of your mental health. Here are some tips to help you deal with the stress:
- Breathing exercises
- Distracting strategies for anxiety like playing with a fidget spinner
- Positive affirmations
- Relaxation techniques of any kind like yoga or listening to soothing music
- Talk to your support system and share your problem when you feel overwhelmed
Reflect on your performance and make adjustments for next time
If you do badly on your exam or make some errors that you could have avoided, do not judge yourself. It is just a sign for you to make adjustments to your study plan for the next time. So keep learning and do not let minor failures deter you by following these strategies for managing stress and maintaining a positive attitude during exam preparation
