Studying for exams can be overwhelming, but the way you prepare can make the difference in how confident you are and your success on exam day. Here are some of the best tips on how to study, so when exam week comes on Dec. 16-19, you are prepared to pass your exams.
Our first studying tip is to stick with the classic “review your notes.”
However, don’t just review your notes the night or day before a test, but instead review them throughout each unit. If you attempt to cram all the information into your brain in one night, then it not only causes stress but also makes it harder to remember details and certain information in the unit that may be needed for the exam. Studying throughout the unit helps gain a deeper understanding and better retention over time.
Another tip for studying is breaking up your study time and eliminating distractions. Sitting for three hours straight is a recipe for getting distracted and then finding yourself on social media or watching TV. Instead, try using a timer. For example, study hard for 25 minutes and then chill for 5 minutes. After four of those cycles, try taking a longer break for around 30 minutes. This will also be like a small reward for your commitment to studying.
The resources you use to study with are also very important. Some great online websites to use consist of Quizlet, where you can make flashcards, play mini games to help study, and even create a practice test to help you study. Gimkit is another great resource where you enter your information, and you can play games to help you study, which can give you an urge to study to complete the game. However, sometimes the “classic” resources are just as efficient, such as paper flashcards, your notes, and conferring with peers who are in your class.
One last tip is to have healthy habits outside of studying, like exercising on a daily basis, social connections, and plenty of breaks for the mind. All of these habits lead to a healthy lifestyle because they help your brain function at its best. When you sleep well, eat balanced meals, stay hydrated, and get regular exercise, your brain has more energy and can concentrate for longer periods of time. These habits also reduce stress and improve your mood, which makes it easier to understand information and remember it later. So taking care of your body is just as important for success.
These healthy habits, along with good study strategies, can make exam prep feel more manageable and less stressful. In the next section, we’ll look at what students had to say about how they study and what works best for them, giving you even more ideas to try as exam day gets closer. Hopefully, these tricks help, and good luck on your exams, Wildcats.
Finn Miller
“If it’s a larger test, I start studying about a week before and review throughout the unit. I use a lot of school materials, like my notes, and I read over them a lot. The biggest thing for me is just having a lot of self-discipline. You’ve got to have the will to study, you just got to get out there and study and make sure you’re ready for the unit.”
Evelyn McClung
“I like to start studying during the unit, so I make sure I understand each section as I go, but before the test, I study a lot more one to two days before. I make a lot of flash cards and read over my notes, as well as looking up videos from outside sources. Studying and making flash cards throughout the unit helps me feel prepared for the tests.”
Grant Swenty
“Normally, I study the day before, just because there are a lot of things to study. I like using Quizlet and Gimkit. I can put them into a set and practice answering the questions, and I can answer the questions, just kind of practice like a test question format. I can create practice tests on Quizlet and then make flashcards, which really help me learn the information. I do a lot of studying and practice, like making a practice test or a Gimkit. Sometimes I write a bunch of stuff down a bunch of times, and treat it like a history test, and make sure to study the names and people a lot.”
