If there’s one thing all students can agree on it’s that writing papers and exams can be one of the most stressful events of the semester. For some, learning and studying come as naturally as breathing. Others may try to study, often pulling all-nighters in the days leading up to a major exam, and then your mind draws a blank on exam day. This guide will help teach you useful study techniques, and build up confidence on the day of their exam.
Preparation Tips for Students Attending College
The first thing you should do to prepare for exams is to mark the exam’s date on a calendar. Doing this will set the foundation for their entire study strategy, and will prevent the date from sneaking up on them. For final exams, students will want to plan for at least two weeks of studying, as these exams will typically be comprehensive. Students should be sure to set aside time each day to dedicate toward studying, as as they will keep learning new things without forgetting what they already know.
Students should break down their time and study in intervals. A student’s brain will have a better chance of retaining knowledge if they take breaks between study sessions. For best results, students should limit each interval to an hour or less with a 10-20 minute break between intervals. Also, a student should avoid all-night cram sessions, especially the night before an exam, as they may risk forgetting much of the material they attempted to learn. The longer students study without a break, the less they will be able to focus, which will limit how much they learn.
Students should also try to work in a study group with peers. Studying together with others can be a great way to build confidence and reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety that studying solo may cause. Furthermore, talking with their peers about the study materials may help students improve their understanding. It’s important to not underestimate the effectiveness of a group effort.
Students should avoid negative thinking, if at all possible. Many students start to lose morale or even panic when they dwell on the possibility that they may fail their exams. As difficult as it may seem, it’s crucial to maintain optimism and confidence. When students begin to worry about the exam, they should take a few minutes to clear their mind.
Students should also try to avoid distractions such as television, radio, and social media accounts while they are studying. Do not work on writing a custom research paper or custom term paper while trying to study for exams. Getting wrapped up in the latest TV show or hit song will reduce their concentration or even halt their writing progress altogether.
Students need to get a good night’s sleep the day before the exam. Getting enough sleep will help them stay focused and alert, and will help retain what they have learned more easily.
Final exams don’t have to be intimidating or stressful for a college student. As long as students allow themselves enough time to study and understand the learning materials, and show up to the exam well-rested, there’s no reason to expect anything less than a perfect score.