By Venisa Wallace, Staff Writer
Exams are around the corner and many students have not started studying.
Cramming is a popular method of preparing for an exam that is chosen by many students. Cramming, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary online, may be defined as the hasty preparation of an examination. Cramming is not the most reliable way to pass an exam or to get an A, however, it has worked to some students’ advantage. Below are six steps to assure that students get a satisfactory result from their cram sessions.
Step 1 Do Not Panic: Realizing that there is only one week left before exams may cause some students to panic if they have not started studying. Do not do this. Panicking only leads to further procrastination and anxiety.
- Relax (not too much).
- Take deep breaths, in and out.
- Visualize accomplishing the goal of acquiring sufficient knowledge to pass your exams.
Step 2 Find out what topics will be on your exams: Finding out the topics that will be on your exams will ensure that you do not study un-necessary material and will prevent the wasting of time.
- Ask your professor for the topics that will be on your exam.
- Ask for the format as well. This will reduce the element of surprise on the day of the exam.
- Go through past test papers, homework and other review sheets. These will provide you with sample questions. Moreover, many professors recycle test questions.
Step 3 Make a Time Table: Many students might say it is too late for a time-table, but time tables will allow you to track your progress and it helps you to manage the limited time left.
- Co-ordinate your time table with your examination time-table. What subject has the first exam and what subject has the last exam?
- Ensure that you spend equal amount of time on each subject. There is no time to concentrate on just one subject.
Step 4 Find a suitable place to study: Different students may be able to study in different environments, but it is recommended that you study in a place with minimal distractions. Studying on your bed is not recommended because it may cause you to sleep or become lethargic.
- Study around a table.
- Ensure the area is well lit.
- Ensure the area has minimal distraction, but also ensure it is not too quiet and comfortable that you will fall asleep.
Step 5 Take Breaks: It is a popular theory that an average individual has an attention span that lasts 20 minutes.
- Take breaks at least every hour.
- Eat a snack in these breaks. Not a big meal or anything too sugary.
- According to testtakingtips.com, it is best not to neglect sleep; try and get at least three hours sleep before a test if you are cramming.
Step 6 Possible Study Tactics:
- Use acronyms, word combinations, or songs to help remember information.
- Read chapter summaries instead of the whole chapter.
- Study with someone who takes good notes in class if you do not.
- Be careful when studying in large groups, as focus might shift from studying.
- Use flash cards to write down important information. Doing this in a point form or outline form is better than writing paragraphs that will take up time.
- Talking or reading out loud helps some people to remember.
