Exams are bittersweet as a university student because it’s the final stretch before a much-deserved break. Whether you’re a good test taker or not, you can’t escape exams. So how do you cram all the knowledge you learned throughout the semester for a timed test? Well, there are a lot of ways.
Don't procrastinate
Do you ever feel like you have so much to do but not enough time? Time is precious and practicing time management can help you make more time for work, study, family and play. Try scheduling and making lists of everything you need to get done for that day. Spend time on the subject every day. If you don’t regularly use it, you’ll lose it. This doesn’t mean study for the subject for hours every day, but even if it’s only 20 minutes, the sooner you start, the better prepared you will be for the exam.
I get by with a little help from my friends
Organising study groups with your friends can be beneficial because everyone can bring something different to the table. Your friends may have answers to questions that you don’t and vice versa. As long as you stay on topic and focused for most of the time, this is a great and fun way to get ready for your exam.
Fuel your brain
Eating poorly is a common mistake university students make right before exams. Energy drinks, chocolate, chips and other fast foods are often eaten in place of nutritious meals. Eating junk food may affect your performance. Stick to oily fish, eggs, dark leafy greens, peanut butter and fresh fruit, which supply the vitamins and nutrients you need to keep head strong on exam day. Check out this article for more information on foods that boost your brain.
Practice makes perfect
Most lecturers will supply practice exams, so you know what you’re in for. Take advantage of these tests by taking them numerous times until you make the preferred grade you want. If you aren’t provided with a practice exam, you can always make one. Take the various points you have learned and turn them into questions, then give yourself the same amount of time that you will have on exam day.
Make a plan
When the actual exam day comes, you don’t want to be unprepared. Know where and when your exam will take place. If it’s not your usual classroom, it’s good to go there beforehand to see how long it may take. There would be nothing worse than getting lost and arriving late. Find out if you’re allowed a drink bottle in the room and if you will have a break. If you need to bring a pencil, calculator or computer, always make sure they’re in working order the day before your exam. And don’t forget to check your student email frequently before exam day in case of any changes to the time or location.