This comprehensive guide will help you learn about studying for exams and the best study apps. So, let’s get started!
How To Prepare For Success
It is not a good strategy to study. Instead, you need to be deliberate about setting study sessions.
Mark the time you can dedicate to your studies on your calendar. While you should plan some study time every day, other commitments might require that some sessions be longer.
Higher-level classes may require additional study time. Classes that have multiple credits require more study time. Consider dedicating one to three hours each week to study for each credit hour you are taking.
Learn at your own pace
Are you quick to absorb information or slow? Only you can decide what pace works best for you.
There is no right or wrong study pace. Don’t try to match someone else’s pace.
Instead, experiment and discover what works best for you. Remember that slowing down your studies will mean that you have to spend more time on schoolwork.
Take some time to relax
No one can perform at their best if they are exhausted. Your body needs to rest. It is essential for memory function.
Scheduling study time is important because it reduces the temptation to sleep in and study all night for big tests. You should instead aim to get seven hours or more sleep each night before the exam.
Pre-study naps should be limited to no more than 15 or 20 minutes. Do a few light stretches and exercises when you wake up to prepare your body for work.
Smaller chunks of information absorb
Imagine how you remember a phone number. You break down the 10-digit number into three smaller pieces. It is easier to retain these smaller chunks than to remember the entire thing as one string.
This strategy can be used to study by breaking down a list into smaller pieces. Each part should be memorized as a separate group.
Create your own study sheet
It’s a great way to organize your important information onto one page. You’ll learn more about the material if you read the entire sheet aloud.
You can also memorize details by writing or typing them out. You can visualize the information later by using different colors and lettering styles.
A study sheet, just like flashcards is portable. It can be pulled out of your bag at any time you feel like it.
Be a teacher
You must first understand the information before you can teach it to others. When you are trying to learn something new or improve your knowledge, you should ask yourself how you would teach it to another person. This concept can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the subject.
You can even invite a friend, family member, or study group member to hear your mini-lesson. You can also read your presentation aloud and have your audience point out any gaps.
Know when to call it a day
You can’t have too many good things. While your studies are very important, they should not be the only thing you do in your life. You should also have a social life and exercise regularly.
Studies have shown that spending too much time reading can increase your stress level. This can negatively impact your school performance and personal relationships.
You may not get enough exercise if you do too much reading. This can lead to a decrease in bone density and/or an increase in body fat.
How To Study For Tests
The most common way to remember information well enough to be able to the next day is to study the night before a major test. While it might get you a good grade on your test, it will not help you learn the material.
You’ll forget most of the material you have studied within a few days. You will have lost the purpose of your classes, and mastery over the subject matter.
Instead, you should commit to learning long-term by continuing your studies throughout the semester.
Start studying at least one week in advance
You may have to work extra before taking a large test. However, this should not be done until the morning.
Instead, schedule a time slot each day for exam preparation in the week before the exam. Regular study will allow you to really grasp the material.
Spend at least one hour per day studying
A week before a major test, spend an hour studying each night. You can increase the amount of time you study for two major tests at once, or divide it among them.
Spend as much time studying as you can the day before the exam.
Rewrite Class Notes
You should have completed each class by writing down your notes. Now it is time to go back and revise your notes.
Your goal this time is to reduce them to the most important information. Your rewritten notes should fit on one or two sheets.
These sheets should serve as your primary study source during test preparation.
Make a study outline
Make a detailed outline of your week that includes details from your notes. It can be rewritten a few days later. Cut the material in half.
Write it again shortly before the test. Make sure to include the most important information. Take a quiz to find out what details are missing.
Create your own flashcards
Flashcards can also be used to practice writing tests.
Read the definition on the front. Write down the details or definition of the term. Compare your written answer to what is on the back of this card.
This is especially helpful when preparing for the GRE entrance exam. However, there are increasing numbers of schools that don’t require GRE scores to be admitted.
Use your Textbook to create sample problems and essays
You can also practice taking the test. You can open a book and solve the same problems you will see on the test.
Also, write answers to essay questions. Your textbook may contain suggestions for essay topics.