Exam week is one of the most stressful days a student can go through. All the hesitation, anxiety and disappointment one may have in themselves is rough, is there a way to avoid this mess?

Here are some tips on how to study effectively for exams without getting that rush of anxiety.

1Create a Study Timetable/Schedule

Creating a study schedule is an important factor in your preparation for examinations/tests. It enables you to have an organised mindset and creates a bit of a breather. Depending on the amount of subjects or classes, categorise them into 3: hard, medium, and easy. From the groups just categorised, make 3 to 4 batches based on how many you will do per day.

♤ For Example

One may have fourteen subjects, three of which are easy, seven of which are medium, and four of which are hard. This person may then incorporate four subjects per day (Having a mix of all three groups). Thus, dividing the subjects by four to fit them into four such batches. Apply the batches into four days in a week and have two days for revision and a day of rest.

Monday - Batch one

Tuesday - Batch two

Wednesday - Revision

Thursday - Batch three

Friday - Batch four

Saturday - Revision

Sunday - Rest/Summary Review

This may seem like an obvious task but it is not essentially easy to stick to. Remember everyone is different and thus this is only a guide. Create your schedule in your own little fun way.

2Study 2 weeks before

Study for an exam 2 weeks before the due date, at most take a week for studying and the next for preparation. Don't gaslight yourself into thinking you can study under a day or the night before. You won't be able to memorise anything.

3Have a good sleep schedule

Sleep well before an exam. It should act out as an 8 hour sleep cycle. It is related to the point above. Proving that one should study weeks before an exam.

4Look for a study buddy group

Although studying on your own may seem like an ideal practice. Doesn't it seem better with friends? Even a lot of people you don't necessarily talk to? It encourages one to observe the skills of communication and participation. One may also gain more knowledge due to the fellowship or gathering of different ideas from multiple people.

5Use study techniques

This practice does not necessarily mean that we have to read a page from a textbook passively. Or writing notes and highlighting everything on it.

Instead use:

The Feynman Technique

Active Recall

The Blurting technique

The Pomodoro Technique

Spaced Repetition

These are to make your learning to an understandable level. A way in which you can have fun with, enjoy and appreciate it.

Remember studying is not just about writing notes and reading books but having fun with the process of learning and understanding what you take in. It is systematic and takes time to get used to, over time it gets simpler. It'll save you from tomorrow's stress and instead you'll get success.

Conclusion

Effective exam preparation is essential for achieving academic success. By implementing a structured study plan, utilising diverse study techniques, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and practising self-care, students can enhance their understanding of the material and improve their performance on exams.

Remember that consistency and a balanced approach are key. Start preparing early, stay organised, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. With dedication and smart study habits, you can approach your exams with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1). What is the best way to create a study schedule?

The best way to create a study schedule is to assess your current commitments and determine how much time you can realistically dedicate to studying each day. Break your study material into manageable sections and allocate specific times for each subject. Use tools like calendars or apps to keep track of your study sessions, and remember to include breaks and revision periods to avoid burnout.

2). How can I stay motivated while studying?

Staying motivated while studying can be challenging. To maintain motivation, set specific, achievable goals for each study session, and reward yourself when you meet those goals. Create a comfortable and distraction-free study environment, and try to change up your study locations or techniques to keep things fresh. Additionally, studying with friends or in groups can provide social interaction and accountability.

3). What are some effective study techniques for retaining information?

Effective study techniques for retaining information include active learning methods like summarising notes, teaching concepts to someone else, or creating mind maps. Utilise spaced repetition to review material at intervals, and practice retrieval by testing yourself with quizzes or flashcards. Incorporating a variety of sensory inputs—like reading aloud or using visuals—can also enhance retention and understanding of the material.