Confessions of a Nerd: Exam Tips

Gasp! The semester ended quicker than it seemed! Which means, the most dreaded season is approaching- exam season.

Very often, I find myself stressed beyond limits for an upcoming examination. I end up pulling all-nighters, even on the eve of the exam. After all these years of stressing out, I have discovered foolproof ways of preparing myself for the exam season, which I’m going to share with you all.

1. Start preparing beforehand. Make a schedule and start studying at least 2 weeks before the examination(s). Do try your very best to stick to the schedule.
2. Don’t pull all-nighters. They are basically useless, and all they do is add to your woes. (Unless you absolutely have to pull an all-nighter. Then I’m no one to prohibit you from doing so)
3. Try to study a few chapters every day, and alternate between subjects.
4. Study diligently for 35-40 minutes, and then take 5 minutes off. Repeat this cycle.
5. Instead of coffee or soda, drink loads of water. Stay hydrated!
6. Eat healthy during this period of time. Many of us binge-eat under stress, so make sure you have healthy snacks lying around in case your ‘hunger center’ decides to attack.
7. Make your room comfortable to study in. Use a bright source of light, have your supplies ready and keep water nearby in case you get thirsty.
8. Try to study at a desk. Every time I study on the bed, I end up falling asleep before I open the book.
9. Write down what you study. Not only does it help you concentrate, but the information retains for longer periods of time in your memory.
10. Make summarized notes for each chapter.
11. Look through various resources for information. Try to answer the same question in many different ways. This boosts critical and logical thinking skills.
12. Keep your phones and any sources of distraction away from you. I usually lock up my phone in a cupboard.
13. Make study groups (this may not apply to everyone; I prefer studying alone).
14. Attend review sessions offered at your school, tutoring centers, local universities (U of C offers Diploma review sessions), etc.
15. For better vocabulary and language usage, read novels.
16. Try to head out and get fresh air. Meet up with friends and try to not think about studies for some time.
17. Again, this may not apply to everyone – listen to music while solving questions. So while doing Math or calculating things for Physics/Chemistry, I listen to music to stay focused and to ‘time’ myself.
18. Unless you can study amidst noise, study in an isolated place.
19. Get a good night’s sleep before your examination. Avoid talking about it the night before. Relax, read a book, bake a cake, and take time off. You have worked hard enough!
    
20. Prepare your stationery the night before. Have your pencils ready, make sure you have extra batteries for your calculator and have a few extra supplies in case a friend or a classmate needs any.
21. On the day of the exam, wake up about half an hour earlier. Remember those summary notes you made? Now is a good time to go through those.
22. Get into comfortable clothing, and have a nutritious breakfast.
23. Have a 15 minute review session with your friends. I find having such ‘sessions’ very beneficial as my friends end up teaching me better.

Good Luck!