Quick tips to improve your Exam Preparation

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The number one mistake

students make when preparing for exams is not preparing for the revision

process. Planning isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. If you really want to

maximize your chances of getting a decent result you need to take revision just

as seriously as the exam.

These tips will help

you get started.

Collaborate with Others

When you’re revising

the sheer amount of coursework can be huge. Examtime recommends dividing up your revision notes

with your classmates to reduce the workload. This will not only free up time,

but will give you an insight into how others work, which could help you develop

better revision practices.

Perform Mock Examinations

Ask your tutor for

past exam papers and perform mock exams at home. Mock exams will help you get

into the mind-set of feeling intense pressure, which will calm you down on the

day. When performing mock exams tell others not to disturb you, and then go in

a quiet room and set your timer. The more mock exams you do the better.

Make a Schedule

Making a decent

schedule is one thing, but sticking to it is something else altogether. Unless

it’s well thought out you’ll struggle. Before you even start revising make sure

you’re dedicating enough time to each subject. Focus more energy on the topics

that you struggle with to ensure you have enough balance. Remember that

somewhere down the line you’ll probably realise that you’re not quite as good

at something as you thought you were, so make sure you leave some slots open to

accommodate these occurrences.

Take Regular Breaks

You need to give

yourself regular breaks in order to relax your mind and recuperate. If you ever

feel yourself losing focus don’t be afraid to take a step back and clear your

head. Taking a walk or doing a little exercise is a great way to get back in

the zone. In fact, studies have shown that light exercise significantly boosts

brain productivity.

Work with your Learning Style

Not everybody works

the same way. Revision expert Justin Craig states that understanding your learning style

and whether you’re a visual, auditory or kinetic person will help you to

develop a more effective plan. Everyone is different so don’t be afraid to do

what works for you, even if it’s a little more unconventional.

Cut Out Unnecessary Revision Techniques

Teachers may suggest

taking a very specific approach. While their advice is definitely worth

considering, don’t take it as gospel. Studies conducted by the BBC showed that some of the most common revision techniques taught in

schools are actually not as effective as they seem. Highlighting, underlining,

re-reading and forming mental images all score very low. The highest rated

tests were mock exams and distributed practice.

Know When to Stop

Too much revision can

be counterproductive, especially if you leave it all to the last minute. When

you’ve genuinely had enough and feel like you’re unable to continue absorbing

information, stop working.

Finally, on the day of

your exam do whatever you can to feel relaxed. Go to sleep early the night

before so you can get up and have a nice big breakfast. If you have time, go

out for a light jog or bike ride a few hours

before. Don’t even look at your

revision notes. It’ll only increase your stress levels. Revise properly and you

should feel prepared well before the final day comes around.

Image Credit (Creative Commons): Julie Jordan Scott

Image Caption: Don’t

look at your revision notes on the day of your exam. It’ll only make you feel

stressed.

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