I guess this will be the second last post on the blog/the last post you guys will actually read, so I might as well do something useful with it! Since it's nearing the end of the Fall semester and final papers, tests, and EXAMS are inevitably rolling around, it's fitting that our last problem we tackle would be the biggy of the bunch. Exams.. dun dun dun!

Obviously exams are massively important, but preparing yourself for them is beyond stressful! And on top of that, your memory and recall of the info you've learned seems to disappear along with your sanity. Exams suck... There is no other way (or nicer way) to put it. But studying is SO MUCH WORSE! It's all of that panicking, anxiety, and nervousness leading up to the exams that really does us all in. I'm going to throw some studying/test taking tips out there that you can choose or not choose to use in the upcoming weeks.

CONCENTRATION



Concentrating on one thing in this century is DIFFICULT, what with all of this technology and stuff at our fingertips. The key is to limit distractions. It all starts with focus and, believe it or not, you cannot multitask and do each activity at 100%. Having your mind split its concentration between 7 different things will limit its ability to retain the information you actually need! 

Switch Off
  • Power down the smartphones, the gaming consoles, the televisions, iPods etc, and focus at the task at hand.
  • You are not a robot, you do not need to be plugged-in to the technology world at all times. Give it a break... Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, it will all be there when you're done (unless a zombie apocalypse or something breaks out, then it probably won't... on the plus side IT WOULD FINALLY BE MY TIME TO SHINE!)
Limit Other Distractions
  • Sit in a quiet room without electronics/other accessible distractions and only bring the necessary tools you need to study/complete your work.
MEMORY




The information you learn in lectures can slowly fade when you are not actively remembering it. Your mind is just like your body: Muscle deteriorates when it is not being trained, just like your memory fades when it is not being used. Small amounts of studying done on a regular basis can help you avoid forgetting little details and ultimately improve your recall of the info during an exam. Some tips:

Have a study schedule
  • Don't just study in one excruciating session. Space out your study times and take it in strides. 
SIDE NOTE: Take a break
  • Grab a snack, watch a show, go outside! Determination is great, but studying too much at one time can be just as detrimental as not studying at all.
  • This will provide you with an escape from the stressful environment, allowing you to return to your studying calm and ready to go!  

TEST TAKING STRATEGIES


Now that you've managed to get through the studying process, there's just the little dilemma of now surviving the actual exam! First things first: you need to look after yourself prior to taking it!

  • Go to bed early! A good night's rest will not only help you relax, but it's always nice when you don't fall asleep in the middle of taking an exam due to sleep deprivation. 
  • Eat a good breakfast/lunch/dinner/whatever. Your body needs good nutrients to help your brain function at full capacity!
  • Go for a walk or lightly exercise before your exam! This will help reduce stress and narrow in your focus.
  • Don't study the day of your exam. Leave your text books at home. Last minute studying right before can confuse you and can cause you to panic. If you don't know the information by now, you never will.
  • Take deep breaths, friend. The information is there you just need to access it.

Everyone has the potential to do well on their exams regardless of whatever grades you head into them with. It's all about the preparation and planning you do before hand! You have some time to prepare, so get on it and start NOW! And most importantly,

I have faith in ALL OF YOU :)


As always, it's been a pleasure blogging for you guys! I wish y'all the best in the weeks to come.

Taylor xx

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