10 Tips for Acing Exams Through Effective Studying

Unless you're some kind of genius savant, everyone has to put in some kind of effort to ace their exams. And even geniuses probably need to study a little bit, right? So don't stress, just follow these tips and you'll be well on your way to becoming a study pro!

1. Set up a Study Schedule and Stick To It!

Any student knows that feeling of being both overwhelmed and underprepared. There are tests to study for, essays to write, and extracurriculars to balance. When it feels like there aren't enough hours in the day, it's time to set up a study routine.

A study plan is a roadmap to success, providing clear study goals of what needs to get done and when. This includes assignments, tests, papers, projects, and anything else you might have to complete. For example, you can schedule yourself to review vocabulary every morning or grammar every evening.

Make sure you follow the schedule you've set up and give yourself enough time to really learn the study material.

2. Pick a Study Method That Works for You

Effective study habits are a necessity for any student's success. Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to studying. What works for one student might not work for another. The best way to find a study method that works for you is to experiment and find what works best for your learning style. Some students prefer to study in short bursts, while others prefer more prolonged periods of focus. Some students might like studying with classical music in the background, while others prefer silence.

There is no wrong way to study as long as you effectively retain the information you are trying to learn. The most important thing is to find a method that works for you and stick with it.

3. Take Notes the Right Way

Taking good notes is an essential part of studying effectively. Good note-taking requires organization, attention to detail, and a willingness to put in some effort. When taking notes, first, take a look at the big picture. What are the main ideas of the text? What are the author's main points?

Identifying these will help you focus your highlighting and summarizing.

Next, make a list of key concepts and important details. For each one, ask yourself why it is important and how it relates to the other information in the text. This will help you determine which details are most worth highlighting and summarizing.

Finally, start highlighting and summarizing. When you're finished, you should clearly understand the text's main ideas and most important details.

4. Prioritize Comprehension Over Memorization

Many people think the best way to learn something is to memorize it. So they sit down with their flashcards and try to cram everything into their brain all at once. But here's the thing: our brains aren't designed for that.

According to cognitive scientist Peter Doolittle, our brains are like a garden, and each new piece of information is a seed. If you try to cram too many seeds into your garden all at once, they'll choke each other out, and none of them will grow. But if you plant them one at a time, giving each one space to breathe and grow, you'll have a healthy, thriving garden in no time.

So when trying to learn something new, focus on understanding rather than memorizing it. That way, you'll be able to recall it easily when needed.

5. Learn How to Revise Correctly

One of the most important things you can do to get better at studying is to learn how to revise properly. When you're in class, you're trying to absorb a lot of information all at once. It's impossible to remember everything, so you have to take notes. But your notes are only part of the story. To understand the material, you have to review your notes later. That's when the revision process comes in.

If you need to clean up your notes, rewrite them. You'll catch things you missed the first time, and you'll be able to connect the dots between different concepts. Additionally, rewriting the information will help you remember it. Also, including images or diagrams can be helpful, especially for visual learners, when recalling information. Finally, revisit them in the next day or so, i.e., spaced repetition. It'll make a world of difference.

6. Be the Teacher

One of the best ways to get better at studying is to pretend that you're the teacher. Like when you were in school, try to devise a lesson plan for the material you're trying to learn. Once you have your lesson plan, get a friend or family member to play the role of student while you present the material. This will force you to think about what you're trying to learn and help you identify areas where you need more work. And who knows, you'll even enjoy playing the role of teacher!

7. Take Regular Breaks

Research suggests that you can actually learn better when you're relaxed. Taking breaks is important. Taking a short break can help you regain focus and prevent burnout. It may seem like you need to study all the time, but if you don't give your brain a break, it will start to slow down. Taking a break every so often will allow you to study more efficiently and with less anxiety.

You can use the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focused study sessions interspersed with shorter breaks. You may keep working hard and feeling energized throughout the session.

Schedule breaks into your day. Scheduling breaks into your day ensures that you don't overwork yourself. If you know you'll be working long hours, schedule short breaks throughout the day. This way, you'll still feel like you've had enough time to relax and recover. So, use those breaks wisely. Take advantage of extra time to read notes, watch Netflix or go for a short walk.

8. Improve Recall with Association

One of the best ways to get better at studying is to improve your recall through association. When you associate new information with something you already know, you're more likely to remember it. For example, let's say you're trying to remember a new colleague's name. If you associate her name with someone you already know - like your best friend from high school - you're more likely to remember it.

The same principle applies to other types of information, like historical dates or vocabulary words. So next time you're studying for a test, try making some associations to help you improve your recall. It will surprise you with how well it works!

9. Sleep On It

Did you know that your brain functions at a lower level for every hour of sleep you skip? Sleep deprivation impedes working memory function, creative thinking, and the ability to pay attention.

Sleep plays a crucial role in consolidating memories. It will also help boost your immune system, making you less likely to get sick. And if that wasn't enough, research has shown that getting enough sleep can also help to improve your mood and reduce stress levels.

So next time you're feeling run down, don't reach for another coffee - instead, try to get some extra sleep.

10. Join a Study Group

A study group is a great way to keep track of your goals and hold yourself accountable. You'll meet fellow students who are working toward becoming successful students, and it helps to have a dedicated study environment.

If you're looking for a study group, consider joining one that already exists. Consider starting a study group if there isn't one already. You'll get new perspectives on the material as others discuss their takeaways, and you can find out how well each other does in certain areas of study (like math!). Start by discussing what's expected here, rather than doing general topics or activities together at first - this will allow room for improvement without feeling overwhelmed if one person messes up tremendously early!

So there you have 10 tips to help you study more effectively and ace your upcoming exams. Do you have any other studying tips that work well for you? Please share them with us in the comments below! Good luck with your exams, and happy studying!