Exam preparation tips

As exams come-a-calling, students burn the midnight oil and spend sleepless nights worrying over grades.

For many, the lead up to the exams is a nerve-racking experience since there is so much pressure from all sides (parents, teachers, peers included) to do well and score good grades.

But preparing for exams need not be a stressful experience, provided you begin well ahead and set a comfortable pace of studying for yourself instead of trying to cram everything in the last moment.

It is not the lack of effort or intention, but poor preparation that is the undoing of many students trying to crack exams.

Poor study habits, missing classes and assignments, failure to set up a regular schedule for preparation and last minute overreach and anxiety are some of the common reasons why students don't do well in the exams.

Each one has his own style of preparation, but there are quite a few tips and tricks that can help you prepare better and beat exam-time stress.

Here are some tips from students themselves that can help you manage the stress, deliver a good performance and also excel.

A regular read-through

Nidhi.P, a student of IIT, Chennai says, “A regular read-through is an important part of my preparation strategy, especially for theory subjects where I have to read through voluminous data and assignments.

I skim through the topics and assignments frequently, focusing only on the keywords and important points.

It helps me register the main idea, and during exams, the preparation becomes much easier.”

Skimming is a great technique to give an edge to your preparation, provided you do it regularly.

Apart from doing your homework and assignments, set aside a regular time— at least half an hour each day— for reading, reviewing and going through what has been taught in school on the day. You need not learn everything by heart, but it is enough to merely read through what has been taught. You can even use the time between classes to review your notes. Check for spellings, expand abbreviations and underline or highlight important points, key words or dates.

Skim through the title, author, diagrams and then question yourself about who, when, where and what the main idea is about.

This will not only help you transfer what you have learnt to your long term memory, but will also be immensely useful at exam time when you may have to do rapid revisions on the topic.

If you can just skim through your lessons in this manner at least two or three times in the same week, you will be able to register almost 80 percent of what you have learnt without much effort.

Structured study timetable

Natraj Money, who appears for his plus two boards this year, swears by the benefits of a structured study timetable. “For me, a weekly study schedule works best because it gives me the flexibility to adjust study goals with homework and assignments.

I usually keep Sundays free for social activities. Study at a place and time when there are minimal distractions. As far as possible, keep your study hours fixed, and schedule all your other tasks around them.

Divide your study material into manageable chunks, so that you don't feel overwhelmed and do a quick review of the topic the next day before you move on,” is what he recommends for fellow students preparing for the big boards.

Memory fundas

For those who have difficulty in memorising, Swathi Subramanyam has a few interesting tips. “I use a number of different techniques to enhance my memory when I have to memorise long lists, tables.

I use acronyms, imagery or even make up songs to help boost my recall.”

“I often use visualising as a memory enhancer to remember formulae,” continues Swathi. “I often use visualising as a memory enhancer to remember formulae,” continues Swathi. You are unlikely to forget the formula Acceleration = Change in Velocity/ time, if you imagine that velocity changed her clothes while time waited below and then they raced to acceleration's party.

This kind of visualising works particularly well for long, jaw-breaking formulae.”

Sushil Kumar prefers to take it on the hard way by writing, rewriting and revising.

He carries a small notebook in his back pocket that has all his maths and physics formulae. “I browse through the pocket book when I am travelling or in between classes.

I practice what I read by writing. Writing helps you organise your thoughts and ideas.”

Space out

Girish Gaikwad, English teacher, St. Ann's School, advises students to space out their studies so that they have enough breaks in between.

“All work and no play can make Jack a dull boy,” he quotes. “When you are doing marathon studying sessions, you should take a ten minute break for every hour of studying. Use this time to get a snack, take a brisk walk or simply converse with a friend or your parent. Alternatively, you might want to get some exercise. It helps you come back with renewed enthusiasm and energy!”

Last but least, don't forget to relax. Sleep at least 6-8 hours and eat a balanced diet. Keep a positive attitude and keep the company of positive, cheerful friends. That will keep your body and mind active, healthy and fully charged for the exams! Best of Luck!