Exams are approaching, and you’re panicking. “How do I cram all of this information?!” Oof, we’ve heard it far too often from our students, but with a bit of planning and some tried-and-true strategies, you can absolutely kill this exam season. Here’s how:
Get Organized And Don’t Go Overboard
Figure out what’s coming: Write down your exam dates, then work backward. It’s important to be realistic with how much time you have to study for each test.
Get specific: “Study history tonight” is way too vague. Try “spend 20 minutes making flashcards for French Revolution dates while watching my little brother.”
Keep it in your face: Stick your plan on your mirror, on the fridge, or make it your phone lockscreen so you can’t ignore it.
Figure Out How Your Brain Actually Works
We all learn differently, and what works for your bestie might be useless for you:
Create Your Study Sanctuary
Location is everything: Find your spot – whether that’s a quiet corner of the library. Definitely not your bed.
Phone management: Put your phone on Do Not Disturb or in another room while studying. Watching countless “study hacks” on Tiktok won’t really help.
Practice, Don't Just Review
Past papers: Complete past exams under timed conditions to build test-taking stamina and identify weak spots.
Simplify concepts: Einstein (or was it Paris Hilton…?) once said that if you can’t explain a topic simply to a third grader, then you don’t know the topic well enough. Rope in your younger sibling or your neighbors and try explaining the concepts you’ve learned!
Take Care of Yourself
Sleep matters: Aim for 8 hours each night, especially the night before exams. A rested brain performs way better than an exhausted one!
Fuel properly: No overprocessed sugars. Choose brain foods like nuts, fruits, and protein. A personal tip is to take magnesium glycinate to help your body and mind relax—but of course, make sure to consult with a doctor first to make sure it’s right for you.
Run!: A short workout can release those endorphins that you need to stay centered and motivated.
The Day Before Each Exam
Remember...
Remember that this test is just one moment in your life. It doesn’t define you. Years from now, you probably won’t even remember what grade you got on your chemistry final. Do your best, but be kind to yourself no matter what.
See you next week!
