Conquering Exams
This is a difficult time for everyone. You might feel like your academics are out of control. It is important to be patient and take care of yourself. Having a good study plan might be helpful in reducing the stress and anxiety that you may be feeling.
Helpful Tips:
- Prepare yourself mentally
- Stay focused.
- Find a comfortable place to study/learn that is conducive to working. For example, study in a comfortable chair rather than your bed.
- Know your exam schedules.
- Set alarms to remind you of study times and exam times.
- Get a good night’s rest before the exam date.
- Eat healthy/drink plenty of water.
- Stay in touch with your family and friends, for support.
- Stay organized
- Give yourself enough time to study and do not wait until the last minute.
- Keep your study space organized.
- Use visual aids such as flow charts and diagrams.
- Look at all your classes and make a “to-do list” for each of them.
- Prioritize and study the most difficult materials first.
- Put your phone and other distracting devices away or keep them off while you study.
- Make a schedule. If you don’t already have a weekly schedule or planner, create one for your exams or finals. Make sure to include break times.
- If you can, find practice exams.
- Stay connected with others
- If you prefer studying with others, create virtual study group meetings.
- Meet regularly during the scheduled study times.
- If someone misses a study session, check on them.
- Share documents and study materials, with permission.
- Create an intense study step-by-step session such as the following
- Step 1: Set a study goal for the next 45-60 minutes.
- Step 2: Study with action and focus.
- Step 3: Take a break.
- Step 4: Review what you have studied.
- Visit the Academic Success Center for more ideas of preparing for exams.