Top Tips for Exam SuccessÂ
Do you have exams ahead of you and want to be at the peak of your cognitive ability? Test prep can be difficult, and sometimes it’s not even clear where to start. However, there are ways to improve your memory, concentration, and even your mood for this period.
The experts of nursing writing services have compiled research from neuroscientists, psychologists, and nutritionists, as well as sage advice from teachers and students – and put together a list of tips based on them.
These tips will help you be smarter and improve your preparation.
#1. Breakfast and food for the brain
The body needs the energy to function properly, and the brain’s ability to concentrate depends directly on an adequate, steady supply of energy in the form of glucose.
Studies show that students who eat breakfast perform better on exams because they find it easier to concentrate and recall information.
So start your day with carbs that will release energy slowly throughout the morning: oatmeal, whole-grain bread, or low-sugar granola.
You also need to supplement your diet with protein: a little milk, yogurt, or eggs.
Try tried-and-true brain foods. These include eggs, oily fish (mackerel, sardines, and salmon rich in omega-3 fats), whole-grain cereals, kale, chard, spinach, broccoli (and all dark green leafy vegetables in general), tomatoes, and avocados.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of eating a snack on time!
Drinks with antioxidants and anthocyanins can help improve short-term memory and boost mood. They can include blueberries, strawberries, nuts, olives, pumpkin seeds, and dark chocolate that nourish your body and mind.
#2. Start early
Start studying well in advance of your exam date – it will help you feel more relaxed, and you’re less likely to end up simply cramming.
Try to study in the morning when your brain is rested and refreshed. Don’t leave most of your studying for the afternoon, when you are more likely to be tired or decide to work late.
It will be better if you come to consistency in your class schedule and at least try to start and finish at the same time each day.
#3. Decide what to focus on
Understand what awaits you – and prepare accordingly. Are you facing an oral, practical, or situational exam?
Different types of exams require different approaches, so figure out the format of your exam. Then you’ll know exactly how to prepare.
For an essay exam, you may not need to cover all subjects, so it may be more effective to focus on a topic and study it in more depth.
A multiple-choice test or short answer exam will require a broader but less detailed understanding of the syllabus.
#4. Make a plan
A well-thought-out schedule will make your life easier and save you unnecessary stress. It may seem time-consuming, but making a comprehensive plan will really save you time. You won’t have to spend a minute deciding what to teach-and it will help you keep track of your progress.
Make a schedule as detailed as possible, including any relevant documents or notes you’ll need to review – and stick to it. Or turn to essay writers for hire to get help from professionals in plan making.
#5. Intervals may be your best allies
For best results, break one subject up and then study it in short sessions. Spread out your classes and don’t even think about cramming. It’s much better to do one-hour sessions over 10 days than to study a subject for 10 hours one day.
It takes time to memorize information, but the interval method has been proven to be the most effective. Because of the gap between sessions, it allows you to forget and then learn the material again.
This strategy has been called one of the most reliable in the history of experimental research on learning and memory.
But keep in mind that what works well for one exam may not be the best method for another.
Other memorization methods include flashcards based on interval repetition, associative maps, group work, and even recording conversations and then listening to them.
#6. Test yourself
According to leading psychologists and neuroscientists, “self-testing” can be one of the most effective ways to improve your ability to learn.
It’s a technique that helps you understand a concept, not just memorize it, and gives you the opportunity to test for gaps in your knowledge.
One of the best ways to test yourself is to practice taking tests – or just to ask yourself questions after you’ve repeated the material.
#7. Regular breaks, fresh air, and exercise
Just 15 minutes of walking and listening to birds chirping will do you good. Effective study sessions don’t mean continuous. Pauses between study sessions give you a better chance of remembering what you’ve been working on.
Your body and your mind are inextricably linked. Exercise gets your blood flowing, delivering more oxygen to your brain and helping it function better – just what you need during exams.
Plus, getting some fresh air will make you more likely to get back to your desk and help you focus better after your walk.
#8. Sleep
Sleep better and you’ll be able to get more done. You need a good night’s sleep the night before an exam – but this rule also applies to the entire test prep period.
Falling asleep at a reasonable time means you can wake up early, be well rested, and be ready to get on with the day’s plan.
Don’t be tempted to prepare all night long; beware of perfectionism – it can interfere with your rest.
Sometimes studying late at night is unavoidable. However, try to minimize such cases, stick to your usual bedtime, and stay away from gadget screens at night. And if you want to wake up in the morning alert and with your responsibilities done, use the essay helper. Such services will provide you with a team of writers who can help you get your college assignments done quickly and efficiently.
#9. Be calm and positive
So, you have a lot of advice from leading psychologists, neuroscientists, and education experts to help you study better. Make the most of them!
After all, you have more ways to improve your memory, mood, and concentration than any previous generation of students.
So just try to stay calm and positive throughout the process of repeating the material. And if you’re having a bad day, don’t let it affect how you learn the day after. The point is to figure out how you can learn most effectively, and diligently stick to it.
