The logical ending of a certain course, semester, or big theme is to pass an exam. It summarizes the knowledge and skills acquired by a concrete student after a certain period of time. It helps to evaluate the current comprehension of a student to draw a logical line in his/her academic score.
This stage is of huge importance and many students are afraid when it comes. Effective planning and useful resources are the two most important aspects that can help students get organized and prepared for exams. Adopting effective study strategies can significantly enhance your performance and alleviate anxiety.
Here are some valuable tips to help you navigate through exams no matter where you study and what kind of exam you should pass, there will always be the same things you can do. The simple, typical, but very effective preparation tips will always come to your aid. Just learn and use them properly.” Our informative guide reveals 10 effective exam tips to help all college and university students.
1. Get Organized
First of all, you should organize yourself. It involves many important things. Organize your:
- Notes
- Schedule
- Workspace
- Style
- Methods of preparation
- Time
- Sleep, etc.
All these things affect your productivity. If you know what step to undertake, what is needed for it, and how much time will take it, you’ll make your preparations extremely productive. Obligatorily consult your academic supervisor. He or she is very experienced and may give a good piece of advice. Moreover, use your consultation hours to clarify every section of the upcoming exam. Perhaps you don’t understand how to complete the writing section. Feel free to ask how to solve all your difficulties.
2. Make Use of Notes
Clever students are active note-takers who know how to use them to their advantage. Divide all the notes into logical categories. Review them regularly to remember the necessary data for a concrete exam.
3. Create or Join Study Groups
It’s important to realize that you’re not alone. Thousands and millions of students also face quite the same problems. They commonly create study groups to discuss and solve their problems together. You are welcome to join them to enhance your experience and get the required answers. If you cannot find a good group, create it yourself.
4. Take Regular Breaks
You shouldn’t overdo it! If you work without breaks, you’ll exhaust yourself and so the results will be disastrous. If you add regular but short breaks to your routine, you’ll avoid this problem. Here is an example of how a common working day can be scheduled:
- 8:00 a.m. – cleaning your teeth, breakfast, and similar procedures.
- 8:30 a.m. – brainstorming
- 9:00 a.m. – reading
- 10:45-11.00 a.m. – break
- 11:00 a.m. – writing
- 1:00-1:30 p.m. – dinner
- 1:30 p.m. – writing
- 3:30-3.45 p.m. – break
- 3.45 p.m. – speaking
- 4:00-4.15 p.m. – break
- 4.15 p.m. – doing math
- 6:00-6:15 p.m. – break
- 6:15 p.m. – reading
- 7:00-7:30 p.m. – supper
- 7:30 p.m. – writing
- 9:30 p.m. – Create a plan for the next day
- 10:00 p.m. – going to sleep
Of course, this plan can be changed according to your needs. A lot depends on the type of your exam. We have included reading, writing, speaking, math, and listening because these sections are typical for most exams.
5. Pass Previous Exams
One of the smartest strategies is to pass the exams that were before. You can ask senior students, as well as look for exams online. They can be passed for free and you’ll enhance your experience. Although the questions will be different, their structure remains the same.
6. Control Your Time
It is of huge importance to manage your time effectively. Every exam and every separate part of it has strict deadlines. Therefore, you should have enhanced time management skills to be on time. Here are a few tips:
- Make sure you regularly check the remaining time;
- Briefly review every section;
- Predict how much each section should take;
- Create short and detailed outlines for each section;
- Answer the simplest questions first;
- Don’t dwell too long upon one question.
7. Eat the Right Food
You should sustain your brain with food. There are different kinds of food, that nourish the human brain and help to think faster, more precisely, and productively, have a prolonged focus, and not lose energy for a long time. Here are foods you may eat while you prepare for a serious test:
- Nuts
- Fish
- Seeds
- Chocolate
- Yogurt
- Blueberries
Don’t forget about the water. If you stay hydrated, your brain will function properly. Always drink water and refuse coffee, sugar drinks, and similar ones.
8. Explain Your Answers to Others
If you aren’t sure your answers are correct, find people to listen to you. They may tell you whether you’re right. It helps to avoid the mistakes you don’t know about.
9. Plan the Day of the Exam
It’s vital to plan the exam day. It should be a detailed plan, which includes the necessary steps. Make allowances for the following tips:
- Set an alarm (alternatively – ask a friend to call and wake you up)
- Have breakfast with food rich in protein
- Drink clean water
- Take a contrast shower
- Check whether you’ve taken the necessary stuff for the exam
- Arrive before the exam starts.
10. Get Rid of Anxiety
Finally, learn how to relieve the anxiety that is provoked by your future exam. Many students fail exams in college because they are overly nervous. Even if they are prepared perfectly, negative emotions may ruin everything. Check the next methods:
- Practice deep breathing
- Stretch yourself before you sit
- Repeat some mantras. For example, you may regularly repeat – I can do it!
- Do not compare yourself to your peers
- Get rid of negative thoughts.
These 10 tips are universal. It means they perfectly suit every exam in college or university. Of course, certain specifications will demand trying other tips. Nevertheless, our tips are the core of any exam you may have to pass, and they will ensure your success.