Are your exams just around the corner? Then don’t be anxious because it is not a do-or-die situation.
Exams are a significant part of academics. Every student wants a miracle of skipping the exam, but eventually, no one can. They provide a snapshot of what you have learned and understood in the entire academic year. Exams can also develop in you some useful skills, i.e., time management, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
We all know that students dream of getting good grades. However, the question is, do they all succeed?No.
So, the students who score less always think about what strategies successful students adopt that we don’t?
This blog brings you some helpful tips that you can use to score well in the exams.
How to score well in exams?
Every time someone brings up the word exams, stress and anxiety start running on our faces. However, the successful students know how to put stress behind them and work for their goals. They are not innately intelligent, but they utilize some helpful strategies instead of piling up work for the last minute.
1. Be aware of the exam system before you start studying:
Many students study hard but not smart. This is what distinguishes top graders from average graders. Before you start covering topics and chapters, know what the exams require you to do.
For this, the best thing you can do is practice past papers. It is one of the smartest ways to score well. Practicing past papers helps you guess the nature of the questions that can come.
Don’t make the same mistake some students make, that they spend equal time on low-weight and high-weight topics.
Also, you must set a time limit when practicing the past paper. It will give you an idea of your writing speed.
The best time to practice the past paper is just before the exam, because you will get an idea of your preparation level.
In the past paper, get an idea about the grading criteria, pattern, and repeated questions.
2. Make an effective and solid study plan:
An effective study plan is important regardless of your grade. This plan is not only about time management, but you will know your progress every time you follow the study plan.
Effective tips:
Breaking the syllabus into small sections.
You should have daily and weekly plans.
Focus on complex subjects more.
Your timetable must also have a short break so you don’t feel tired.
Every morning revise what you studied yesterday.
In addition, craft realistic study plans, because an unrealistic plan will be of no use. (No one can study for 10 hours continuously)
3. Clear all your concepts; avoid memorization:
We cannot deny that rote learning is important, but let me tell you. It is just a short-term solution that will not help you in exams. This strategy can be useful in the early years of school, but not in university or competitive exams. This is because at an advanced level, you are asked more application-based or analytical questions.
You can grasp concepts by connecting what you learned to real-world examples, by teaching the concept to someone else, and by watching online videos.
Once you have strong concepts, you can answer the most critical questions, have information in your mind for a long time, and understand all types of questions.
Good grades demand concepts over memory; work on that.
4. Note-making is the key:
The key is to make your own notes. Don’t borrow someone else’s notes because your notes will be personalized to your own needs and way of learning.
How to make effective notes?
Write complex concepts in your own words.
Use bullet points and headings
Highlight keywords and formulas.
In your notes, add diagrams, flowcharts, and tables.
Effective notes are smart and brief.
5. Be aware of your shortcomings:
You must know your shortcomings during your exam preparation, this is because you must focus more and work harder on these areas.
A good example is that if you struggle with remembering the dates in the history subject, then you must work hard on it from the start. However, you can seek help from your teachers and friends too.
6. Learn how to write strong answers:
Exams not only require your knowledge but also impressively present your knowledge.
Some tips to write a strong answer:
Don’t rush into the writing part without understanding the question.
Only write what is asked in the question. Such as” discuss”, “analyse” are the command verbs that will help you know the nature of the question.
Write to the point answer.
You must use headings and subheadings
Try to add evidence and examples as much as you can.
Write with neat handwriting.
This is because examiners expect clarity and structure in your answers.
7. Revision is more than important:
Try to complete your exam preparation at least one week before the exams so that you have time to revise. This is because revision done at the last hour is not useful.
Passive revision that involves reading notes again and again is not effective. Moreover, the brain learns better through recall and application.
Also, short revisions are more effective than exhaustive ones. Our brain remembers best with images and sounds compared to text. And that is why many students use those practices, and those students who are into music can create soothing music to understand complex topics. Or you can ask any friend working in an audio recording studio to do it for you. However, some students might not find it comfortable. But if you are, you can do it.
8. Time management like a topper:
Managing time is essential when preparing for exams and when attempting your exam. You must know how to do it efficiently.
The key tip is to not spend a lot of time on one topic and set time limits for each topic.
During the exam, first read the entire paper. Understand what time is required for each. Then calculate the time in your mind, leaving some minutes for reviewing the paper. Complete the easy questions first and later handle the complex ones; it will boost your motivation.
Don’t make the major mistake of leaving questions you find difficult; write what you know because a few marks are better than none.
9. Don’t ignore your physical and mental well-being:
The thing is, if you don’t care about yourself physically or mentally, no one else will. This will impact your exam performance.
Also, if you have an interest in audio recording, then you can visit a voice recording studio. Visiting a studio can also refresh your mind.
All in all!
I think this blog might help you to secure top grades in the exams. Just have a solid plan and start working on it. Also, don’t forget to revise before the exam!