The first test in a new class is always the worst. The beginning of the fall semester brings the start of exams, and they’re typically more difficult because it’s usually unclear how the questions will be worded and how difficult they’ll be. I’ve found that most classes don’t really give out study guides or practice tests, which ends up making me cram for two tests back-to-back for two different classes.
That challenging experience taught me some of the best ways to cram before an exam, which I would love to share with you!
- Handwrite Your Notes
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Personally, I find that writing my notes by hand helps me remember what I’m writing. I feel like when I type, it’s more of a reflex. I’m transcribing what I hear without absorbing any of the information. When I write by hand, I have time to slow down and process what I’m writing. Doing this during class is a big help when cramming for that pesky test. If you already have some idea of the topics covered on the test, all you need to do is review!
- Listen to Your Notes
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Listening to your notes is helpful when you don’t have enough time to read them again yourself. Recently, I did this and listened to my notes while cleaning my apartment and getting ready for the day of the test. This is helpful for memorization and reviewing concepts that you might not have the time to read again.
- Test Yourself and Make Flashcards
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Have a friend test you using your notes or test yourself! One way I quiz myself is by closing my eyes and pointing to a spot on the page, opening my eyes (quickly covering the answer so I don’t cheat), and trying to come up with the answer.
One of the best ways to memorize terms and concepts before a test is to write your own flashcards. You’re already reviewing the material while making the flashcards, and the act of writing down the terms helps further your understanding.
This is also a great tool to use when trying to quiz yourself!
- Switch your Study Environment
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Studying in different environments helps you focus better. Sitting at your desk instead of on your bed helps your body not confuse when to work and when to sleep, which also helps you get better sleep after a long day of studying.
Try picking a place with fewer distractions than you would have at home that still has a nice, lively ambiance. For me, studying at the Student Union helps me focus on my work the best.
- Get Enough Sleep
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Sleep is so crucial for passing an exam. If you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll be groggy and probably have a lot of difficulty trying to remember everything. Getting your beauty sleep helps you keep a bright and awake mind, ready for whatever the test throws at you!
- Teach the Concepts
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Find a friend (or just pretend) and explain the concept to them thoroughly enough that they can comprehend it, like you’re teaching it to them. This will help you memorize the material since you’re forcing your brain to analyze it when trying to come up with the best way to unpack the concepts. You’re also going to better understand the material since you’re reviewing it, too!
- Take Study Breaks
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With all this studying, your brain needs a break. If you have enough time, take a few minutes and let your brain settle with the new information it’s processing. I’ve found that if I go too long without a break, my brain gets overwhelmed, and I could even forget what I’m reading as I’m reading it.
- Block Your Time
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Time blocking is when you break up your time to study more efficiently. For example, if you have five hours left until the exam and five units to study, try studying one unit every hour. If you know that some units are going to show up more on the test than others, prioritize them by assigning more study time to those units.
- Review, Review, Review!
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The night before and the morning of the test, review everything you can! Review as much as possible, even when walking to class and right before the test is passed out, if possible. This is so important because it keeps what you learned in the forefront of your mind.
Tests can get stressful, especially when you procrastinate studying up until the last minute. These study tips should hopefully get you through the stress of cramming for that first exam of the semester and more. Remember that the best way to ace a test is to stay calm and focused, and if all else fails, remember that a grade doesn’t define you.
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