8 Important tips –before last minute of exam
I know, the last 24 hours before
the exam can be very stressful. Maybe you worry that you haven't revised
enough, or that what you're doing now will be all you'll remember.
Yet, it can also be an extremely
useful and last period for revision and should thus be used wisely.
Of course, it's possible that
you've left your entire revision to the last minute. While it's not superlative,
some of these tips will be useful even then.
Perhaps the most important piece
of advice, whether it's the end or the beginning of your revision, is DON'T
PANIC! DON”T TAKE TENSION! It certainly won't help and will probably seriously damage
your ability to focus. Be calm and everything will be better.
So how should you revise on the
last day before the exam? These following tips will help you make the most of
your time.
1. Same old, same old…
The tips and techniques that have
served you well up to this point, especially the good study habits you have developed,
should not be thrown away.
For example, you still need to
take regular breaks and you still need to vary what you're doing to keep your
mind engaged. This is perhaps even more important today than on other days:
falling asleep over books will not improve your peace of mind. You also need to
eat healthy and not rely on caffeine to keep you going.
2. Request for help from those around you
A problem shared is a problem
halved, and those around you can help you, even if they avoid you or make you a
cup of tea every now and then.
Obviously, this won't work if
everyone around you is also revising. But if you're at home with your parents, they
will definitely help you to be comfortable and feel happy in this crucial exam
stress period
If you have group of friends who are not revising for exams,
especially if they are ahead of you and have been through it all the previous
year, you might consider asking them if you can have refreshment party with them or meet them in the evening.
They will understand what you are going through and will likely be comforting
company.
3. View summaries rather than full, lengthy notes
This last day should be
considered a period of consolidation.
It is thus a good idea to read
summaries such as mind maps or one-page topic summaries. If you haven't
prepared them yet, this can be a good way to study the topic and check your
understanding. Writing essay plans for past exam questions can also be a good
way to check your understanding and make sure you would be able to answer
questions from previous years.
If there is a topic you feel
particularly unsure about, it may be helpful to review it in more detail.
4. be away from technology
No phone, no laptop, no
technology. As these devices may
distract your mind and you may lose your concentration.
You don't need any kind of
distraction. Focus on written notes and use pen and paper to scribble reminders
when needed. Print your lecture notes in advance if you normally keep them
online, and turn off all technology to avoid temptation.
5. Stay away from stress – even around other people
You really don't need to feel
more stressed than necessary.
So it's a good idea to avoid
other people who are stressed, which may include your friends who are also
trying. By all means, go to the library, especially if it was your usual place
to revise, but avoid sitting around comparing how you stressed are or how
little you know. That won't help.
It's an especially good idea to
avoid anyone you know is particularly stressed. Yes, of course you have to take
care of your friends, but right now you are more important.
6. Consider a longer break: the whole afternoon and evening off
If you've revised thoroughly up
to this point, it might be a really good idea to take a longer break.
For example, you can go for
exercise - go outside for a long walk with a friend or play squash or swim. The
goal is to thoroughly distract you from your work and also tire you out
physically, so you'll sleep better.
The reason is that it gives your
brain a little more time to process. It's possible to get "engaged"
in the last thing you read, especially if you've been studying very hard. A
longer break means you'll be thinking about other things and your brain can
organize its studies in the background. This should help you memorize it more
easily the next day for the exam.
7. Get everything all set for the morning
The last thing—no,, the very last
thing—you want to do the morning before your exam is to rush around looking for
something essential.
Prepare everything the day
before. Assemble all the pens, pencils, lucky charms and any other supplies you
need. Check if you are allowed a pencil case or if you need a plastic bag and
put everything in it. Check if you will be allowed to have any electronic
devices, watches, etc. and prepare.
Do you need to wear special
clothes like a school uniform? Get it out. Even if you don't need special
clothes, unpack what you're going to wear and prepare it to put on in the
morning. In short whatever things make your tomorrow less stressful will be
most important to maintain your exam mood.