17 How to Prepare for an Exam – Simrin Sandhu

Exam season can be very stressful, especially when your learning is done entirely though a computer. In these instructions, you will learn how to effectively prepare for exams.

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Preparing… Before, During, After

01 – Before

It is important to start preparing at least a week prior before the exam date.

Before

• Give yourself enough time to study the material. Cramming last minute for an exam will not only result in poor test results, but it will also lead to high-stress levels.

• Organize your notes so that you are able to access them easily. One way to sort your notes is to bookmark the main points of each chapter.

• If the professor provides an exam outline, USE IT! These exam outlines are tremendously helpful, as they normally cover the material on the exam. They are not handed out often- so if your professor provides one, you are one very lucky student.

• Don’t stay up late the night before studying. Have a good night’s sleep! Exhaustion will lead to a lack of focus.

• Sit in a quiet and comfortable place. Find an area where you are most comfortable and distraction-free.

• Review for 30 minutes before the exam starts. Take one final peek at your notes as a refresher before writing the exam.

02 – During

Don’t stress! You are well prepared for this exam. Just take a deep breath and focus.

• Remember that you have prepared well for this. Being able to finally look at the exam could cause students to get anxious. This is why it is important to take a deep breath and complete each question one at a time.

• If you get stuck on a question, come back to it near the end. Online exams often have a time limit so there is not much time you can waste thinking about one question. Instead, leave that question until the end so you can spend more time on other answers.

03 – After

Congratulations! You have successfully prepared for an exam. Now it is time is to relax.

You can finally get rid of that anxiousness you have been feeling all week! After writing an exam, it is just as important to take care of your mental health. Order food, go out with your friends, or do anything that helps you destress!