Lady Studying
Exam Tips for Success: Preparing for the Upcoming Exam Period
Benita
September 27, 2024

With the upcoming exam period just under a month away, the timetable has been released, and it is now time to start your preparations. It’s normal to feel a mix of emotions: excitement, anxiety, or even a bit of fear. You can get through this period stress-free with proper planning and preparation.

At SANTS, we know how important this time is for you. So to help you prepare for your examinations, we have put together some of our best tips to ensure you succeed:

 

Start your revision now – Don’t cram it at the last minute

 

Giving yourself enough time to revise your course material can break down the larger sections into more manageable chunks.  Last-minute cramming just before the exam can result in additional stress and confusion during your paper. Create a study plan that allocates time for each subject throughout this month. This plan will help you stay organised and on track, making your study sessions more productive.

 

Set Clear Goals and Objectives

 

Goal setting is so important to keep you motivated and focused. Make your way through both your course materials and past assignments to identify areas you need to improve on. Ensure you allocate a bit more time to these sections as part of your revision.  Set realistic daily and weekly goals, like completing specific chapters or mastering key concepts. This approach breaks your study time into achievable tasks. It gives you a sense of accomplishment as you tick off goals, keeping you motivated throughout the month.

 

Get yourself organised

 

Your study environment plays a big role in how well you concentrate. Make sure that your desk and surroundings are free from distraction. It should just be you and your study material. A tidy and quiet environment can help you stay focused. Some students prefer soft background music or white noise, while others prefer total silence. Discover what works best for you.

 

Engage in Active Learning Techniques

 

Simply reading through your notes is often not enough. Engage in active learning techniques to ensure you understand and retain the material. Some of these strategies can include:

  • Summarising: As you work through a section, write up a summary of it.
  • Mind mapping: Visually organise your course material. By doing this, you can easily see how one topic correlates with another.
  • Practice questions: As you write up your summaries, write out potential questions for yourself on cardboard cut outs with the answer on the back.

 

Schedule Regular Breaks

 

As part of your revision schedule, be sure to include regular 5 – 10 minute breaks after every 25 – 50 blocks minutes of studying. This will help improve your focus and information retention. This technique is known as the Pomodoro method which is know to help improve focus. During your break, step away from your study space. If you can, go for a short walk or go outside and take a couple of long, deep breaths. You can also use this time to prepare a healthy snack. These mini breaks will refresh your mind and body, helping you stay productive over long periods.

 

Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

 

As you build up to exams, your nutrition is equally as important. Ensure you are eating balanced, nutritious meals and are staying hydrated throughout the day. Keep a bottle of water handy and take frequent water breaks. Your diet should include brain-boosting foods such as nuts, seeds, fish, and fruits. These foods provide nutrients that enhance concentration and memory. On exam day, eat a balanced meal before the exam to maintain steady energy levels.

 

Get Enough Sleep

 

As important as it is to get through all your study material, so is your resting time. Aim for 7 – 8 hours of sleep each night, especially the week before your exams. It is important to go into your exams well rested so you can think clearly as you navigate your exam paper.

 

Utilise SANTS Resources

 

The SANTS Lecturers want to see you succeed. Now is the time to submit any queries you may have on concepts you are still battling with. Be sure to reach out to them if you are struggling with specific sections in your modules.

 

The Week Before Exams Strategy

 

The week before your exam should be spent reviewing key concepts, practice questions and going over your summaries. If at all possible, try to avoid trying to learn new material during this time so that you can work on your content retention. Familiarise yourself with the examination procedure and set-up. It is crucial for academic integrity that you complete your examination by yourself. SANTS does not tolerate cheating, and this is a serious offence if caught.

 

In conclusion, we know that the exam season can prove to be challenging. By starting your revision early, staying organised and caring for your physical and mental well-being, you are giving yourself the best chance at success.  At SANTS, we believe in your potential and are here to support you throughout this critical period. Good luck with your studies, and remember that every small step you take now will pay off during the exams!