Whether you are in school or at university, you would like to know the best advice for preparing for your final exam papers. Here are 11 exam preparation tips for students who are hungry for academic success.
1: Start your revision early
Making sure you have enough time to review all the material you have studied is important. This will ensure you are prepared to your best ability.
By beginning early it means that you will know your subject well. There will be time for you to identify areas of weakness, so you will know which topics to concentrate more on. You will have the time to ask for help or complete extra work if you are struggling.
Ensuring you are prepared for your exams by reviewing study material in advance will lead to reduced stress levels. There will be no need for you to rush through your material by doing this.
Key Takeaways:
- You will have enough time to be fully prepared
- Areas of weakness can be found
- No need to rush
2: Create a study schedule
Creating a schedule for your study sessions will help you to stay focused and make the most of your time. It allows you to prioritise where needed and avoid any clashes.
Prior to this you will need to know which subjects require most of your attention as they will require extra study time. You will find some subjects easier than others therefore needing less attention.
Things to consider:
- When do you plan to study?
- How long do you plan to study each day?
- When is the best time of day for you to study?
- Other commitments during study periods
From this you can create a study schedule suited to you.
Ways to create a timetable:
- By hand, using pen and paper
- Free online revision timetable
- Use of excel
Sticking to your study schedule is important to ensure you have revised all of your study material.
Key Takeaways:
- Plan a study schedule around your final exam
- Suit the schedule to your needs
- Create it based on your preferences of online via handwritten
3: Create the perfect study space
It’s important to make sure your working environment is organised and prepared to optimise your concentration and focus.
What can be done:
- Avoid Distractions
What most keeps you distracted during your sessions? Whatever these items are, keep these away from your study space. The main things which should be avoided are phones and television.
There are a variety of ways to stay focused which should be reviewed.
- Clear away any mess
If you have an untidy workspace this will make it more difficult to find things and can affect your concentration levels.
- Have what you need ready
If you have to end up getting up for items during your study sessions this can affect your focus. It is important to have your belongings together ready at the start of studying.
This can include stationary, a bottle of water and any snacks to keep you energised.
Key Takeaways:
- Avoid any distractions
- Keep your workspace tidy
- Be prepared for your study session
4: Take regular breaks
Ensuring you take regular breaks is important in your routine. It will ensure your energy levels are optimal during study sessions. Taking time out can make you more productive in the long run, ensuring you understand the material fully.
Ways to recharge:
- Go for a walk
Getting some fresh air and moving your body will help you to re energise. This will help you to feel physically and mentally well.
- Exercise
Any form of exercise will help to improve the flow of blood to your brain. This could be going on a run or even simply stretching.
- Meditate
This is a great regular method of clearing your mind during a study session. Not only will it improve your focus and concentration on your work, however it may reduce your stress levels too.
If you do become overwhelmed, don’t worry! There are ways to manage your stress levels and recover from burnout.
Key Takeaways:
- Regular breaks are important to keep energy levels high.
- Walks, exercising and meditating are great ways to re energise.
5: Set Goals
Knowing what you need to achieve in a study session can help to improve your concentration. By setting out goals you need to accomplish will give you a sense of purpose for the work you are completing.
How?
- Think about your future career and how you can reach that.
- Break down what you need to achieve in short and long-term steps.
- Set SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timebound) goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Understand what you want to achieve overall and break that into steps.
- Use the SMART tool in creating your goals
6: Complete past papers
Understanding the types of questions you will be asked during your final exam is important in preparation. In addition, you will understand the structure of the paper and work on your time management skills for exam day.
How?
- Find exam paper sources from your school. If these papers are not readily available, ask staff and tutors if it is possible to view them.
- Plan a study session within your study schedule when you will complete each paper.
- Once you have finished the paper you can mark the paper yourself. You will then know where your strengths and weaknesses lie and can plan your study sessions accordingly.
Key Takeaways:
- By completing exam papers you will understand the types of questions that could arise.
- You are able to mark the work yourself and learn from your mistakes.
- You will learn the right exam technique suited to you.
7: Ask for help
Do not be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling with any study material. There are people willing to help you.
It will enable clarity and a better understanding of your subject area. Overall, this will lead you to becoming better prepared for your upcoming exams.
If you can’t find someone that is free to help you whenever you start studying, then consider the internet and find platforms that offer materials in the subject you need to improve yourself in. For example, if you are a nursing student and have a difficult exam, search the internet and find online nursing materials to curate relevant information.
Who to ask?
- Tutors – university students
- Other students and friends – you can form study groups to help each other learn new information
- Teachers and staff
- Find a tutor
Key Takeaways:
- Ask for help with your study material whenever you need it.
- You could ask teachers, friends or even find a tutor.
8: Keep structured sleep routine
By sticking to a routined sleep pattern it will make sure your energy levels stay high during your study time. Also, it will help you to process new information easily and helps to create new memories.
How?
- Follow ways to develop successful sleeping habits
- Try to wake up and go to sleep at the same time so your body becomes accustomed to it.
- There are apps available which can help you with tracking your sleep.
However if you end up becoming too tired and drained, there are ways to get rid of sleepiness whilst studying.
Key Takeaways:
- Try to go to bed and wake up at similar times when studying.
- Make sure you are getting enough sleep each night.
9: Drink water
Ensuring you drink enough water helps you to think, concentrate and focus during a study session. You will be able to think clearly and in a more creative way if needed.
By keeping a glass or a bottle of water on your desk with you whilst you study it will remind you to drink.
Key Takeaways:
- Try to keep hydrated throughout your study sessions.
10: Eat nutritious food
Eating nutritiously and avoiding junk food is important in optimising concentration levels whilst preparing for your exams.
Foods which are good for the brain include green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, berries and nuts.
Tips as to how?
Take a look at healthy foods for students during exams and foods linked to better brain power.
Key Takeaways:
- Add more foods into your diet whilst studying that improve brain functioning.
11: Plan exam day
Know where the exam will take place in advance so you know how long it will take you to get there. Leave early for your exam, just in case you come across any delays on the way.
Plan what you will need to take and make sure you have these items ready in advance. Make sure not to leave this until the night before the exam.
Bring a spare pen or pencil just in case. For example your pen might run out half way!
How?
Take a look at tips on what you should do the night before your exam.
Key Takeaways:
- Know where your exam will be.
- Consider how you will get your exam location.
- Plan what you will need to bring with you.
Summary – 11 Exam preparation tips for students
- Begin your study early on
- Create a study schedule
- Organize your study space
- Take regular breaks
- Set yourself goals
- Complete past papers
- Ask for help
- Keep a structured sleep routine
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat nutritious foods
- Plan your exam day
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