With exams coming around the corner, the thought of test preparation can feel a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we got you covered with 10 study tips to help you ace those upcoming exams.
1). Pre-Study for a Successful Start
First, take a deep breath and realize that you can do this! A positive attitude will make all the difference. Try organizing your class notes, making cue cards, and creating a study checklist of what needs to be reviewed.
2). Develop a Study Plan
Once you have a checklist of topics you want to review, determine how much time you want to spend on each topic. Make sure you break your time into manageable shifts. Put your “study shifts” on a calendar to map out your plan so that you can refer back to your calendar when needed.
3). Equip Yourself
Once you have chosen a study space, make sure you equip yourself with all the tools you will need: laptop, charger, cue cards, pens, water, a snack, and ear plugs. Essentially, you do not want to let anything stop you from achieving your study goals!
4). Turn off your Notifications
Even better, put it away! If you are using a laptop to study, challenge yourself to go two hours without checking Facebook, Twitter, or even Instagram. You will be amazed at how much material you can cover when you lay off the tweets, likes, and direct messages.
5). Choose your Study Space Wisely
Study somewhere you know you will be productive and comfortable. If you need complete silence then consider studying in a quiet space on campus, a public library, or in your room. If you like some ambiance with your double shot expresso and carrot ginger muffin, consider studying at a café. Make sure the café you select has comfortable chairs, tables, Wi-Fi if needed, and lastly make sure the music is suitable and will not drive you crazy. Nobody wants to study to death metal dubstep.
7). Take breaks
Instead of letting distractions get the best of you, allow yourself to take breaks. Fifteen to twenty minutes of physical activity will allow you to be more refreshed and alert when you return to studying. So don’t feel guilty about taking that 15-minute walk or Zumba workout. Breaks are essential to your success.
8). Don’t Study while “Hangry”
Studying while hangry (hungry + angry) is the same as doing anything when you are hangry – a complete disaster. Stay hydrated and satiated with high protein and slow release carbohydrate foods as they will keep you full for longer. Some examples of these snacks are nuts, bananas, peanut butter, yogurt, bean salad, hard boiled eggs, and beef jerky.
9). Make Connections while you Study
When you actually make connections with the information you have learned opposed to just memorizing the information, you will be more successful. Try linking what you are studying in real-life situations or teaching what you have learned to a classmate.
10). Sleep and Smile
It is important to stay positive during this stressful time and to allow yourself to sleep a full 8 to 9 hours if possible. Cramming is never the way to go and if you follow all these steps mentioned above, you will not have to cram or pull an all-nighter.
Whether you are studying for the IELTS, TOEFL, or just an end of a class exam, if you follow these 10 tips, you are well on your way to acing your exam! If you are interested in taking a study prep course for your IELTS exam check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=20d-S1BnyIw
