How to Pass Any Exam: 18 Proven Tips

A few weeks before the exam

1. Create mind diagrams

They are association maps or thought maps. This is the name of the recording of some information in the form of a diagram. For example, "Unions" - "Writing unions" - "Connecting unions" - "and, yes, no, no, too, also." This will help structure and visualize knowledge, remember a large amount of information or terms that do not settle in your head in any way. The resulting cheat sheets can be placed or hung in a prominent place to periodically review the material.

2. Develop a class schedule

Decide in advance how many hours you will study per day, which days will be study days, and which will be days off. To keep track of your schedule easier, print the calendar. Mark completed classes in it with a certain sign, for example, a cross. It will turn out to be a kind of habit tracker.

3. Use a reward system

Reward yourself with something small for every paragraph you read or practice testing you take. A gummy, apple, episode of a TV show, or something else that makes you happy. This will help combat laziness and procrastination.

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4. Download restrictive apps

In order not to stick in social networks or games all day long. Set a time limit on Instagram, VKontakte, YouTube and other applications that constantly distract you from your studies.

5. Change location

Study first in one room, then in another (or even on the street). This will help you remember 21% more information.

6. Go in for sports

Any activity you like will do: running, interval cardio, yoga, pilates. Exercise can help you learn more effectively, increase alertness, and reduce stress. The latter is especially important, since there are sea reasons for excitement before exams. Including the choice of a university and the fear of not going to the budget.

7. Take non-standard notes

Remembering a long sheet of text can be difficult. To make things easier, you can mark important points with stickers or markers. Or even draw illustrations in the margins and even directly in the text.

Another way to better remember information is with Cornell's note-taking system. Divide the sheet in half with a vertical line, indicate the topic at the top. In the left column, write the key questions of the lecture or lesson. Then, for example after a few hours or a day, try to answer them in the right column.

8. Don't forget to rest

Man is not a machine. Therefore, it cannot be as efficient as possible for several hours in a row. In addition, studying without respite can lead to burnout or nervous breakdown.

To stay productive and remember more, learn in intervals such as the Pomodoro Technique. You need to study for 25 minutes, then rest for 5 minutes - this is one "tomato". After four "tomatoes" take a half hour break.

An alternative method is "52/17". 52 minutes of study, 17 rest. The main thing is not to spend a break in a smartphone or computer.

9. Listen to soothing music

Play in the background classical music, ambient, movie soundtracks, instrumental hip-hop or any other calm melodies of your choice. Exercising in complete silence is less effective. At the same time, try to avoid fast compositions and your favorite tracks - the temptation to sing along or start dancing is too high. And do not turn on the music too loud: it will interfere with the assimilation of information.

The day before the exam

10. Brainstorm

Set aside an hour to make cheat sheets: write down everything you remember about the subject on paper. You do not need to use them for the exam. This activity will help you warm up your brain and make sure that you understand the material you have covered. If you forget something, reread your notes. The main thing is not to study all day and even more so at night. Cramming before an exam is unlikely to help you remember anything.

11. Watch a video of a dog, cat or panda

Instead of continually reading abstracts, open YouTube. Videos with cute animals will help you become more attentive and do better tasks.

12. Get a good night's sleep

Lack of sleep makes you irritable and lethargic. And, accordingly, it does not have the best effect on productivity. And it also negatively affects memory. In order not to forget anything on an important day and to cope with all the tasks, go to bed early. And don't forget to set some alarms or have someone close to you wake you up. Sleeping through the exam is a nightmare that cannot be tolerated in reality.

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On the day of the exam

How to pass any exam: how to behave on exam day

13. Eat something protein for breakfast

Scrambled eggs, cottage cheese, turkey sandwich, fried tofu, protein shake, or anything else that's packed with protein. This breakfast has a positive effect on mindfulness. But it is better to refuse a sweet bun or chocolate bar before the exam: they can make you sleepy and tired. If you really want something sweet, eat dark chocolate.

14. Take a walk

Leave the house early and walk to the exam site. Taking a short walk helps your brain work more efficiently and increases alertness.

15. Predict the answers

This tip is suitable for exams that have a test portion. After reading the questions, do not look at the answer options right away, first try to remember the correct one yourself. This will help energize your brain: you will respond faster.

16. Sit up straight

A straight back and straightened shoulders are a pose of confidence and calmness. And not only because of the fact that it looks so outwardly. Correct posture increases testosterone production and decreases cortisol release. That is, it makes you more determined and helps you deal with stress.

17. Chew gum

This process increases alertness and helps you remember important information. Just chew quietly and not too vigorously so as not to disturb others and attract the attention of onlookers.

18. Watch your breath

You cannot give in to panic in the exam, otherwise you can fail it. If you suddenly get nervous, put your pen and exam materials aside and breathe calmly, meditate. Just 2-4 minutes is enough. Close your eyes and inhale slowly for a count of 1 to 4-6, and then exhale while repeating the count. Concentrate so as not to be distracted by your thoughts and surrounding noises. Breathing will help you relax so you can safely return to your assignments.

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