Studying for exams can be a stressful time and, if not done correctly, can lead to less than satisfactory results. The good news is that with self-discipline, diligence, and a good plan, you can be well prepared for the big day. Having a plan does not guarantee success, but it will ensure that you do your best.
The most important thing is to start planning early. Ideally, at least six months before the exam, sit down and make a detailed plan. If you need to fit study into an existing schedule, decide how many hours a day or week you can spend studying. It’s best to overbudget at this point, as you can always rewrite later in the process, since it’s harder to find additional hours as the time draws closer.
Design the curriculum you need to know and break it down into smaller components. When designing the study schedule, be specific with what will be studied on specific days. One recipe for being unprepared is simply setting aside some general study time. List the specific area of study on the calendar. Spend more time on weaker areas, but make sure everything is included in the schedule. Setting study details now will save time later. Instead of having to decide what to check, you can jump straight to work.
Alert your friends, family or colleagues that you are preparing for an exam and may be a bit of a hermit for a while. Let’s hope they are not only understanding, but also understanding. You want to be absolutely focused on your goal. Don’t feel bad if you need to cut short or short-term social or family obligations. Don’t let these things distract you from your efforts.
Make sure you study with purpose and efficiency. The best study comes from the use of different study techniques and learning approaches. There are tons of tips online, but consider techniques like note consolidation, mind mapping, or online learning resources. Reviewing one’s study with another partner is good if you are going through difficult material. “Teaching” someone else the material also improves your own understanding of the subject, so co-opt friends and family. These are tactics that can make a big difference in one’s performance.
Professional help with an exam preparation service could also be considered. These services use proven methods of preparation and study. They also provide support for test-taking strategies, which can sometimes be just as important as knowing the subject. There are various courses ranging from multi-month intensive sessions to one-day sessions. Depending on the importance of the exam, investing in such a course could be worth the expense and effort.
Another important part of the process is practice tests. This is a vital part of the preparation in two respects. First, it provides a benchmark for progress and identifies areas that may need further study and attention. Second, it will familiarize the taker with the form and style of the questions. Experts agree that being familiar with test language and question settings is an important aspect of successful test taking.
With these tips in mind, one can be as well prepared as possible for the exams. The process can often be frustrating and stressful, but with a well thought out plan and good discipline it can be managed.