Don’t panic. Panic will only make your situation worse. You will be focusing on the horror, and not the upcoming test. Many times, panic can even deter your chances of doing well on the exam. If you panic, take deep breaths (try not to hyperventilate), and think that you can do this. [1] X Research source Activities such as yoga and meditation can help decrease your stress levels. A clearer mind and rejuvenated body will be ready to tackle on an exam. You’re smart enough to realize you need to study days in advance. While some people study the day before, and some people always study this way, realize that last-minute cramming is not the ideal way to study, especially not for the sake of long-term retention of the subject matter. Also make sure not to study too much! Take some breaks for about 5-15 minutes. [2] X Research source
Study the most important topics first. Exams usually cover a few core ideas, concepts, or skills. When pinched for time, focus your energies on the very important bits you’ll be tested on, rather than scattering your studies everywhere. Review sheets, the highlighted topics in textbooks, and the parts your teacher stressed repeatedly are all clues as to what the most important topics or components are. [3] X Research source Find out how the test will be presented. What types of questions will be on it (multiple choice, essay, word problem, etc. )? Find out how much each section is worth. If you do not know, ask the teacher. This will help you know what the most important sections will be, and how the exam will be presented. [4] X Research source
Determine what subjects you don’t know as much about and include more study sessions on these topics. The aspects you know more about still need reviewing, but they will come easier, so try to focus on the more challenging topics. Plan your time. It’s tempting to put everything off until the night before the test. Instead, figure out how much time you will put aside each day for study. Remember to account for breaks. A good rule is: study for a half-hour, have a break for ten minutes.
Use tools that will help you to study. Tools like flash cards may be boring, but really help memorize important things. If flash cards don’t seem to help, typing out an outline of your notes may work. Tape flash cards in random places to quiz yourself. This is a good way to sneak in study time, as discussed below. Remember to study smarter, not harder.
If you have a hard time focusing in class, ask your teacher if you can record their classes. That way you can go back and listen to each class when you’re studying for your exam. [7] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
Form a study group. Not only do you have additional help, you also have the advantage of studying with people you know well. However, avoid accepting those that will be of no help, and only distract your whole group from studying. Don’t be rude and reject everyone whom you don’t like, but do be cautious about who you add to your study group! As long as you don’t get too distracted, studying with a friend or group can really help you stay motivated. [8] X Expert Source Alexander Ruiz, M. Ed. Educational Consultant Expert Interview. 18 June 2020.
A common mnemonic is HOMES for the Great Lakes. Another one is drawing stick figures to represent vocabulary words (like a good reason for drawing cartoons!). Create your own mnemonics that suit your needs. Try rewriting down your notes to study. This is an effective way to memorize.
If you’re allowed to take food in, take some jelly babies for a sugary hit, but it’s best to stick to healthy fruit and vegetables. Apple or carrots make an easy snack that will help replenish your brain power. Take a bottle of water with no stickers or labels (these could raise suspicions that you’re hiding answers on them).
Have a “brain” meal the night before. Fish makes a great meal the night before, as it is nutrition for your brain. Try eating some fresh vegetables and pasta with the fish. Eat a good breakfast. It will keep your mind alert. An example of a good breakfast is a glass of juice, an egg, toast, and cheese. If you do have to eat a bowl of cold cereal, make sure it’s wholesome and whole-grain, not a sugary brand, or you may experience a ‘crash’ during the test. [10] X Research source Avoid drinking coffee, as this will only keep you up and provide you a sugar rush. Once the caffeine has worn out, you won’t be able to keep your eyes open. Taking a test while you’re drowsy is a no-no, so avoid intake of caffeine or any other foods too close to bedtime. All that digesting will keep you awake at night. Be careful about making any abrupt eating changes; eat what you would normally eat on a regular school day in order to not disrupt your digestive patterns.
If you can’t get to sleep, try some warm milk or tea, but be sure there is no caffeine in your drink! Do not alter your sleeping patterns. Go to sleep at your regular time in order to keep your sleeping patterns regular.
Keep a positive attitude! Studying lots, but thinking you can’t really ace that exam, will reduce your chances of succeeding. See yourself as acing it, relying on all the preparation and attention you’ve given your studies to this point. Confidence is the key! Aim high. Don’t just aim to pass the test (if passing the test is quite easy), aim to get an A+. This way, you get a better grade. Plus, if you don’t do as well on the next test, your A+ will still keep your overall grade high enough.
