How to prepare for an exam effectively

The last days before the main exam can be a stressful time for all students–I know it because it has happened to me. So, knowing how to properly prepare for finals is the key to avoiding stress and acing every single one of your exams.

But, we all know this isn’t really possible. There needs to be a uniform way to assess our performance as students and it has to happen at some point, during the final exams. So how can we lower stress and know that we’re on the right track to excel. Well, here are some proven methods that will have you focused and better prepared for the exams.

1. Manage your priorities well

• During the examination period, your top life priority of time must be preparing for your exams.
• Schedule large periods of time to prepare for your exams
• Find/make a place that is consistently quiet with a few distractions.
• Plan steps for preparing for your exams so that you are not trying to take on too much at one time and so that you can see yourself steadily building strength towards taking your examination.

2. Find out about your exams

before doing your exam you need to find out more information about the exam. Some things to look at are;

• The time of exam it is
• The length of the exam or the different types
• The rules for the examination
• Likely topics to be covered

3. Gather and organize your information for studying

• Group your information/notes into piles by topic of what be on the examination.
• Make study guides for each pile of information to last yourself on that information
• Make yourself a calendar outlining a daily schedule of topics for review.
• Say no to cramming. Cramming causes anxiety which lowers your ability to retain information. By creating a balanced study plan and schedule, you will be able to study each subject in it’s entirely and ultimately boost your test performance.

4. Check on yourself

• Check on your sleeping time:- You need at least 7hrs of sleep at night to function. Exams are designed to make you think. If you are sleep driven, you won’t be able to remember any of the information you wanted so hard to cram into your brain.

• Stay calm:- Don’t panic at the exam! Even if at a glance the test is overwhelming, remember to breathe. If a question seems too hard, answer all the questions you know, then return to the ones you left blank. Remind yourself that you are prepared.
• Don’t rush:- You have spent 4 years studying, so what’s another couple of minutes? Work through the exam room, slowly and read all the questions before answering them. If you are done before the time is up, look over your answers.
• Relax:- Don’t let panic overwhelm you. Even if you think you bombed the exam, worrying will not change your score.
• Don’t be an all-nighter:- All-nighter impairs reasoning and memory for as long as 4 days. As a result you will receive lower grades. You will also be forced to wake up earlier than expected which will interfere with your rapid-eye movement (REM) which aids memory. Review the toughest material right before going to bed the night before the text. It makes it easier to recall the material later.
• Avoid distractions:– Music, texting and watching the television. Keep all media away. If you do that, you will be less likely to retain information.
• Pray for God’s grace to be upon you:- Our God is faithful and merciful. His will will always prevail.