Every college student knows the stress involved with the last two weeks of the term. There are papers due and tests to take. Sometimes there are several on the same day. There are a variety of strategies you can implement to lessen the stress while being successful on your college exams.
Go to Class
This might seem like a silly thing to say, but one of the most important things you can do to prepare for your exams is to go to class regularly. Not only does this expose you to the information that you are expected to know, but it also gives you context when you are reviewing notes. Studying your class notes may put you back in the room with the instructor and allow you to more fully remember the topic. Taking notes yourself is one of the best ways to reinforce what you learned in class. Even though many college professors do not require attendance, this is one of the most effective ways to prepare for exams.
Set Aside Time to Study
Scheduling time to study allows you to plan effectively. Make the study time an appointment on your calendar throughout the term. This will allow you to write papers, complete assignments and read the material on a regular basis. When it comes time to prepare for the exam, you will be in the study zone and ready to get work done. Also, make sure you know how long does it take to write X words or pages for your essays.
Prioritize Your Work
As you prepare for exams, be sure to prioritize the courses that require preparation. Some students do this by exam day and time. Others start with the subject that will require the most study time. Choosing to study daily will help with prioritization. One strategy that is helpful is to read over your notes every day as you prepare for exams. Spend additional time on each subject based on the exam schedule and your study needs for that particular course.
Organize Your Busy Schedule and Study Space
In addition to setting aside time to study, during exams, it is important to organize your schedule wisely. Many students now have multiple responsibilities, making it difficult to set aside a lot of time for study. There are children, jobs and other family responsibilities that pull on students. During exam time, it is vital that you stay organized and stick to your schedule. You may share babysitting duties with other students. This will allow each of you to have planned study time. If this isn’t possible, check with family members to see if they can help. Ask them to be respectful of your time as well.
Many students also have challenges with study space. Some use the dining room table, a couch or a bed to read, write and study. If this is you, get rid of extra papers. They are distracting. Keep your books and reference materials handy, even if you have to move them after every study session. Make sure they are organized in a way that makes sense for your study habits.
Keep Your Brain Functioning
Sometimes we get so caught up in studying or the need to study that we let everything else go. There is a multitude of ways to improve your memory and keep your brain functioning. Making sure you keep up with the good habits that you have established throughout the year will help keep your brain and body functioning optimally. If you exercise every day, keep doing so. Eat regular meals and definitely get plenty of sleep.
Adequately preparing for exams is vital to your academic success. Prioritizing and organizing your studies are an important part of this preparation. Taking steps to keep your body and brain functioning well during this time will allow you to have confidence in your preparation. Be ready and don’t cram for the exam!
