Around mid-June, students will be anxiously preparing for their final exams. Often during this time of year, depending on their course load, students become overwhelmed with the process of studying.
When working with students during exam preparation, I often get asked “how do I do well on my exams?” While, students with better study methods and strategies score higher on their exams, everyone is different. Different methods work for different students and the following are only suggestions on improving upon your current studying techniques. Here are the top 6 questions I get asked about studying and preparing for exams
What is the best time of day to study?
- It is best to review the material right after class when it’s still fresh in your memory. Don’t try to do all your studying the night before the test. Instead space out your studying, review class materials at least several times a week, focusing on one topic at a time. Also, don’t study later than the time you usually go to sleep as you may fall asleep or be tempted to go to bed early. Instead try studying in the afternoon or early evening. For example, if you are a morning person try studying in the morning.
What is the best location to study?
- Find a comfortable and quiet place to study with good lighting and little distractions (try avoiding your own bed; it is very tempting to just lie down and take a nap). It is also valuable to have all of your study material in front of you: lecture notes, course textbooks, study guides and any other relevant material. This way you avoid having to be interrupted while looking for material.
What should I study First?
- Start out by studying the most important information. Learn the general concepts first, don’t worry about learning the details until you have learned the main ideas. It is also important that you take notes and write down a summary of the important ideas as you read through your study material. Try using mind maps, or cue cards to help you sort through material as you are studying.
Is cramming a good method of studying?
- Never cram for an exam! Space out your studying, you’ll learn more by studying a little every day instead of waiting to cram at the last minute. By studying every day, the material will stay in your long-term memory but if you try to study at the last moment, the material will only reside in your short-term memory that you’ll easily forget. Also, make sure that you understand the material well, don’t just read through the material and try to memorize everything.
I feel overwhelmed! What should I do?
- Be sure to take short breaks frequently. Your memory retains the information that you study at the beginning and the end better than what you study in the middle. Use a time to help trigger when your breaks should be taken. Go outside or have a short snack. Whatever you choose to do during your break make sure it does not go over the allotted time. Procrastination is a time killer and you only hurt yourself in the long run.
Can I study with my friends?
- Never study with your friends. Study first by yourself but reviewing a day or two prior to the exam with a group is acceptable. When studying alone prior to meeting with a group, you develop your own level of understanding. Bring any questions that you are still unsure about to your review group for clarification. It is also important to test yourself or have someone test you on the material to find out what your weak and strong areas are. You can use the review questions at the end of each chapter, practice tests that the teacher may give out or other pertinent materials.
Remember, studying should not be a stressful process. Using the tips listed above can help you prepare for your final exams in January. If you are still unsure about studying, we offer study skill workshops that may be useful for you during this time to help you get prepared and reduce your anxiety.
Happy Studying!
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