Study Tips for Exam Success

Ronica,

I always struggle during midterms and finals. I feel like I work non-stop and perform only adequately on my exams. Can you give me some study and planning tips so that I can actually have results that show how much work I put into my exam preparation?

Thanks,

Looking for Success

Dear Looking for Success,

When you realize that you have spent more time taking naps in the library than in your own apartment over the past few days, you know it is that time of year again…the countdown to exams. Surviving these two week periods can be some of the most challenging during your college career. It seems that everyone studies, but there are many who still struggle to reach success. How do the curve-breakers reach the top, as the rest are left in the dust? Follow these simple steps to help you reach your exam goals.

• Do not procrastinate: We all know that procrastination is not a positive study habit, yet so many college students continue to push work off until the very last possible moment. Take time every day to devote to each subject. You will find that the work will no longer control you as you slowly and steadily conquer the preparation in front of you. Your writing will improve, your mistakes will decrease and your memory will be stronger. To help you to stay on track, create a timeline of what you would like to accomplish each day. Writing it out and creating a visual will help you to stay on task and keep your goals in perspective.
• Utilize campus resources: During exams your university will likely have plenty of support in place. From tutoring sessions to back massages, campuses have found all sorts of ways to help students prepare and relax, and oftentimes these campus services are free during exams. If you do not receive any information about campus support, you might have to do some of the leg work to find what is available. Reach out to student health and tutoring services, and your academic department. Most will have programs in place to support you through this difficult time.
• Sleep: The college “all-nighter” is not a good tool to use when preparing for your exams. Staying well rested is not only important for your physical health, but it will also impact your mental performance. Staying awake for long periods by using excessive amounts of caffeine will disrupt your sleep cycle and ultimately impact your ability to study effectively. Maintaining a balance between mental preparation and rest is an important key to success.

I hope these simple tips help you move in the right direction towards exam success. Have some tips I didn’t mention? Feel free to post a comment or email me at AskRonica@Gmail.com.