There’s no point in freaking out the day before your exams just thinking of all the times you could have studied but you didn’t. Instead, do some deep breathing exercises and get a hold of yourself and the situation. Follow these dos and don’ts and you are sure to make the most of your cram study session.
Do’s
Get an action plan – You are already running short of time and you must therefore quickly assess the amount of time you have at hand and the way you are going to use it. If you can manage a full night study session, then by all means go ahead. But if you are one of those who just cant do without a few hours of sleep, you better put some time aside to catch up with your sleep. Know what is to be studied by making a quick list of all the important questions you think would appear in the exam. Put things that you don’t know anything about at the top of your list with more familiar things towards the end. You will also need to decide the kind of study techniques you would be using to realize your goal. Gather all your study material and other necessary items such as highlighters, post-it notes, finger food snacks, water, caffeinated beverages, blank paper and your voice recorder.
Choosing a study technique – Your choice of study technique(s) will greatly depend on your grasping power, the kind of exam you are studying for, and the type of learner you are. Use notes, since important sections are usually marked making it easier to read and understand. You can read aloud and record some of the important sections on the voice recorder to be replayed just before leaving for the exam. Focus your entire attention to what is important, find out what type of questions will be awarded the most marks and focus on those. Call other students and find out what they know, see if they can help you. Get as much information out of the lecturer as possible.
Don’ts
No matter how hectic your schedule is, keep some time free for a filling breakfast. Being on an empty stomach at the time of exams is not a good idea, as it affects your memory recall and concentration. Also, if you have not yet joined a study group, then there is no point joining one at the last moment. It would only add to your distraction and stop you from giving your best shot.
You may also consider reading study guides that include concise summaries along with step-by-step instructions that can help you sail through the exam with decent marks.
