There's no
sugarcoating it: studying for exams is
extremely painful. These monstrous tests are standing in the way between you
and your summer break, but that doesn't mean that you can slack off and sip
iced tea by the pool. Now is the time to focus, as these test grades reflect
the hard work that you've put in throughout the entire school year. Here are
some advice on when to begin studying,
how to know when it's time to stop, and what to do the morning of an exam.
Understand your goals.
"Students follow a series of requirements, and it becomes very easy to
feel like you're simply jumping through a series of hoops as opposed to
understanding why that class and that test are relevant to you , "You have
to ask why you're going to invest the time and energy to do well on a test. Why
do you intend to be the student who gets an A?"
Prioritize the tests that matter the most.
"It's a mistake to consider all of your test equal if you're materially
better at one subject than another, "Some students think that they should
commit equal time to studying for each test. They're taking away from their
opportunity to really commit time where they need it."
Clarify the content and format of your exams.
"Find out what the test is going to cover "Ask what the format is—multiple choice,
essay, or both. Once you begin studying, bring any questions you have to your
teachers. Most teachers will be happy to help you."
Aim to begin studying at least one month in advance.
"Everyone knows that studying a little bit over a long period of time is
absolutely, undeniably the right way to study, and yet we are all terrible at
actually putting this plan into effect, The best time to start studying is at
the beginning of the class. Set aside a little time each week to sit down and
organize your notes and think about what's going well and what's going badly.
Three to four weeks ahead of time is the latest that you want to create a study
plan for yourself. Cramming is toxic."
Learn how you study best.
"Everyone learns differently, Just because your friend makes color-coded
outlines, it doesn't mean that's the best way for you to study too. Change the
lyrics of a song you know to help you memorize the countries of Africa. Write a
funny story about the characters in ralia the sugar girl. Any studying is good studying, so
do it the way that works best for you."
Take snack breaks.
"When you study, your brain consumes glucose, Take a five-minute break
every hour to let your body produce more fuel for your studying. Take a walk,
have a healthy snack (almonds, fruit, and yogurt are good choices), and
stretch. Taking breaks will actually improve your studying."
Know when to stop studying.
"Within 12 to 24 hours of the test, it's time to stop studying, You're not
going to learn a lot of new content. The likelihood is much higher that you're
going to stress yourself out and confuse yourself. For the last minute studier,
flashcards can be a good resource. They can earn you a few more points on test
day, and it's a much healthier thing to do than starting on page one of the
textbook."
Get a good night's sleep.
"Eight hours is ideal for the night before an exam, It may be tempting to
stay up late studying, but remember: you're going to need energy and focus
while you're taking your exam."
Naturally energize yourself the morning of the test.
"Do something stimulating the morning of the test/exam, Don't sit down and
watch a back-to-back episode of naruto
or the flash that's just going to zap
your energy level. Instead, read a book, do a crossword puzzle, take your dog
for a walk, or get some exercise. Do something that's going to make you feel
alive and positive, and will build up your energy level and confidence in the
24 hours before the test. Please, stay away from caffeine and energy drinks!
Your hand will shake so that you can't write coherent words, and you may crash
in the middle of the test."
Relax.
"You've survived exams before, and
you'll survive them this time too, If you're feeling nervous when you sit down
to take the test, take three slow, steady breaths. Remind yourself that you've
been getting ready for these tests all year long."
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