Gasp! The semester ended quicker than it seemed! Which means, the most dreaded season is approaching- exam season.
Very often, I find myself stressed beyond limits for an upcoming examination. I end up pulling all-nighters, even on the eve of the exam. After all these years of stressing out, I have discovered foolproof ways of preparing myself for the exam season, which I’m going to share with you all.
- Start preparing beforehand. Make a schedule and start studying at least 2 weeks before the examination(s). Do try your very best to stick to the schedule.
- Don’t pull all-nighters. They are basically useless, and all they do is add to your woes. (Unless you absolutely have to pull an all-nighter. Then I’m no one to prohibit you from doing so)
- Try to study a few chapters every day, and alternate between subjects.
- Study diligently for 35-40 minutes, and then take 5 minutes off. Repeat this cycle.
- Instead of coffee or soda, drink loads of water. Stay hydrated!
- Eat healthy during this period of time. Many of us binge-eat under stress, so make sure you have healthy snacks lying around in case your ‘hunger center’ decides to attack.
- Make your room comfortable to study in. Use a bright source of light, have your supplies ready and keep water nearby in case you get thirsty.
- Try to study at a desk. Every time I study on the bed, I end up falling asleep before I open the book.
- Write down what you study. Not only does it help you concentrate, but the information retains for longer periods of time in your memory.
- Make summarized notes for each chapter.
- Look through various resources for information. Try to answer the same question in many different ways. This boosts critical and logical thinking skills.
- Keep your phones and any sources of distraction away from you. I usually lock up my phone in a cupboard.
- Make study groups (this may not apply to everyone; I prefer studying alone).
- Attend review sessions offered at your school, tutoring centers, local universities (U of C offers Diploma review sessions), etc.
- For better vocabulary and language usage, read novels.
- Try to head out and get fresh air. Meet up with friends and try to not think about studies for some time.
- Again, this may not apply to everyone – listen to music while solving questions. So while doing Math or calculating things for Physics/Chemistry, I listen to music to stay focused and to ‘time’ myself.
- Unless you can study amidst noise, study in an isolated place.
- Get a good night’s sleep before your examination. Avoid talking about it the night before. Relax, read a book, bake a cake, and take time off. You have worked hard enough!
- Prepare your stationery the night before. Have your pencils ready, make sure you have extra batteries for your calculator and have a few extra supplies in case a friend or a classmate needs any.
- On the day of the exam, wake up about half an hour earlier. Remember those summary notes you made? Now is a good time to go through those.
- Get into comfortable clothing, and have a nutritious breakfast.
- Have a 15 minute review session with your friends. I find having such ‘sessions’ very beneficial as my friends end up teaching me better.
Good Luck!
