Great Exam Preparation Tips - Part 1

Written by Sarah Frei | 07-Apr-2017 13:20:00

Here we are again, exams are coming up fast in all your classes and you start to feel overwhelmed with everything you have to do to prepare. This is totally normal. Even if you have been in school for a long time and do this every year, it can still be challenging to figure out how to prioritise your time, which subjects to tackle first and when to start studying. We are here to help you through this process as best we can. Both the teaching staff and the boarding staff know this is a stressful time of year. In order to get you started, we have put together a series of two blogs to give you some tips for exam preparation. This first blog will focus on early preparation. The following are five helpful tips:

1. It is never too early to start

It is way too easy to put off exam preparation until you really feel the pressure making you cave in. You will thank yourself later if you start setting yourself up for success at the very beginning of the term. Do not wait until teachers and parents are nagging you about it. When you plan ahead and make sure you really learn the material as you go, the weeks leading up the exams will be a lot easier. You will be able to get good sleep and you will feel more confident overall.

2. Develop study groups

A good way to start early and keep yourself accountable is to start a study group. Consider which subjects you find more challenging for whatever reason. Everyone is naturally more skilled at certain subjects. Pick the one that is the most difficult for you and get a group of other students together from that class to start reviewing the things you are learning in class. Try to start meeting early enough that you recognize what aspects of the curriculum you need to work on the most; and reach out for support when you need it.

3. Make reviewing a habit

Whether or not you set up a study group, start making curriculum review a habit every week. Note down during class which areas you have questions about and go over them before the next class. Set a time aside each week when you will review your notes. Even if you do this for only 30 mins a week from the very start, it will make a big difference in your overall performance.

4. Become a great notetaker

Studying for exams is made so much easier if you become a good notetaker. Get in the habit of always taking pen and paper to class with you, no matter the subject. Taking notes by hand has also been proven to help with information retention. Often when you look over your notes later, you will be surprised with how much you remember from class. If you need help with how to take effective notes, ask one of your teachers to get you going or give you some feedback.

5. Do not hesitate to ask for support

Just because you need some help or you need someone to explain something to you again, does not mean you aren’t smart or quick enough. Everyone needs support with exam prep at some stage of their academic career. Everyone. So please do not hesitate to ask as many questions as you want in and outside of the classroom. The entire Brillantmont staff is here to help you succeed. No question is ever too small or too big to be asked.