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Preparing for an official exam? Give yourself the best chance with these top tips and try not to let yourself stress out!
Give yourself enough time to study
Although some students seem to thrive on last-minute cramming, it is widely accepted that (for most of us) it is not the best way to approach an exam.
Write down the number of exams you have and the days you have to take them. Then, organize your revisions accordingly.
Make sure you have enough space to spread out your textbooks, notes, and computer.
Do you have enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Are your games and other distractions out of sight?
Try to get rid of all distractions and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to concentrate as possible. For some people this can mean almost complete silence, for others background music helps.
Some of us need everything perfectly tidy and organized so we can concentrate, while others thrive in a more cluttered environment.
Use flowcharts and diagrams
Visual aids can be very helpful when revising. At the beginning of a topic, challenge yourself to write down everything you already know about a topic from your online training , then point out any gaps.
Getting your ideas into this brief format can then help you quickly recall everything you need to know during the exam.
Explain your answers to others
Use your parents, siblings, or friends to your advantage. Explain to them an answer to a question. This will help you figure things out and highlight areas where you need more work.
This process forces you to clarify your ideas, thereby strengthening your understanding. By articulating your thoughts out loud, you identify unclear areas that need further revision. It is an interactive method that transforms learning into a dialogue, facilitating memorization and deep understanding of concepts.
Take regular breaks
You may think it’s best to study for as many hours as possible, but this can actually be counterproductive. If you’re training for a marathon, you’re not trying to run 24 hours a day.
Likewise, studies have shown that to retain knowledge in the long term, taking regular breaks helps a lot.
Everyone is different, so develop a revision routine that works for you. If you study best in the morning, start early before taking a break for lunch. Or, if you’re more productive at night, take a longer break earlier so you’re ready to settle down in the evening.
Try not to feel guilty for soaking up the sun instead of poring over your textbooks. Remember that vitamin D is important for brain health.
Keep your body and brain healthy by choosing nutritious foods proven to aid concentration and memory, such as fish, nuts, seeds, yogurt, etc.
The same applies on test day – eat a good meal before the test, based on foods that will provide a slow release of energy. Sugar may seem appealing, but your energy levels will plummet an hour later.
Plan your exam day
Make sure you have everything ready well in advance of the exam – don’t wait until the day before the exam to realize you don’t know the route to take or what you’re supposed to bring.
Check all rules and requirements, and plan your route and travel duration. If possible, do a test ride. Otherwise, write clear instructions.
Determine how long it will take to get there – then add some extra time. You can also plan to go to the exam with friends or classmates, as long as you know they are likely to be punctual.
Drinking plenty of water is a fundamental, but often overlooked tip, crucial not only for the body’s general well-being, but also for optimizing brain performance, especially during periods of intense stress such as revision or exams. Hydration plays a key role in maintaining concentration and preventing mental fatigue, allowing for better assimilation and retention of information.
It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, but this need may increase depending on physical activity and stress level. Water helps keep brain cells oxygenated and active, which is essential for clear thinking and problem-solving ability.
During revision time, having a bottle of water on hand encourages regular hydration, thus avoiding drops in concentration due to dehydration. Additionally, drinking water before and during an exam can help reduce anxiety and improve cognitive functions, ensuring the mind remains alert and responsive to the questions asked.
