Getting ready for exams needs a lot of dedication. You may have had a study plan for months, but last-minute revision can be quite effective. If you have exams in one week, find ways to make the best use of the remaining time. So, how can you use this one week to prepare for exams? Here are some tips to get you started.
- Organize Your Study Materials
It’s just not possible to cover all the topics you learnt in class one week before an exam. The best thing you can do is narrow down the topics so you can organize your study materials. Start by drafting a test outline using your notes and a study guide. This allows you to identify the specific areas that require more focus. Once you’ve organized your revision schedule, you can start with the more challenging topics.
- Choose Appropriate Study Locations
According to
a survey, two-thirds of young people, especially college students, experience worrying levels of exam stress, and the number is increasing. To make studying easier, choose study locations that don’t have distractions. You can keep changing the environment to declutter your brain and to make it easier to remember what you studied. If you study best in the library, classroom, or your dorm room, do it there.
- Set Study Goals
Since you have such a short time, it’s much better to focus on achieving a specific goal each time you study. Write all your study goals in your planner, phone, or laptop.
Research shows that people who write down their goals are likelier to attain them than those who don’t. This strategy also makes it easier for you to cover more ground.
- Get Enough Sleep
When you’re preparing for an exam, sleep is critical. According to the
Sleep Foundation, college students sleep 6.36 hours per night during finals week. Sleep deprivation affects cognitive performance and increases depression.
If you find it hard to sleep as you study for your exams, you can use a
sleep patch. When you’re well-rested and relaxed, your brain will understand the material much better.
- Study in a Group
If you’re having a hard time studying on your own, try a
group study session. Find classmates who are results-oriented and start a group to discuss concepts and compare notes. You can also set quizzes for each other to test how well prepared you are for the exams. A group study session is good because you might get extra tips to help you study better. In addition, you are more likely to remember topics you discussed with others.
- Seek Help
If you’re having difficulty understanding some topics, you can reach out to your professor for clarification. You can also look for reading materials in the library or online that will help you prepare for the exam. Also, don’t be afraid to ask fellow students who understand the topics better to help you.
A week might seem short, but it can be enough to prepare for a tough exam. Follow these tips and you’ll be well prepared.