With exams approaching, you need a technique which will provide the maximum results. Here are a few revision techniques to make sure you are ready in time for your January or end-of-year exams alike.
Plan in advance
Sounds simple, but this is the most important piece of advice to follow. Plan to complete your essays/other assignments that are due during the revision period, as early as possible. This will relieve the additional pressure and free up more time further down the line to revise. Once you receive your exam dates map these out on your revision timetable calendar so you can predict how much time you have before/between your exams. Based on the key topic areas for each subject, you can then add these to the schedule to provide a solid structure for the revision period.
Remove distractions
When you hit the busy period, it can be easy to procrastinate and find a reason to put off your revision. Therefore, maximise your level of productivity by removing yourself from situations that could prove a distraction. For some this could mean temporarily deactivating your Facebook account, switching off your phone when you’re working or revising outside the flat or room where friends can easily pop round for a chat halfway through your session.
Identify what works best for you
Everyone works differently, so it’s best to find out what works best for you in order to get the most out of your revision. From the time of day to the length of study sessions, it is these details which will help you make the most of your time when formulating your schedule. Finding the right study environment is also important. Use a quiet, tidy and open space, whether it is in your room or in the library. Some prefer background music while others prefer working in groups or somewhere with no background noise.
Suss out the best revision technique for you
There are a number of techniques out there, so knowing which one works best for you is crucial. Some prefer to read and recite whilst others prefer writing out their notes continuously and of course the colour coded system is used by many. As well as using your preferred technique, be prepared to adapt this according to the subject.
Some logical and mathematical subjects will require continuous practice questions whilst other theoretical subjects will require a deeper understanding and the ability to adapt to the scenarios presented in the exam. Therefore what works for one subject simply won’t work for the other.
Understand what you are learning
This is completely different to simply reading your notes. Being able to demonstrate this understanding in the exam could mean the difference between a good result and a great one. Therefore once you understand the basic principles, further this by talking through with a friend who is studying the same subject. Asking each other questions that help you think more deeply will also help you find out which areas you have fully understood and which need a bit more work. Take those areas that you’re struggling with to your tutors, who will be able to help you clarify any points of confusion.
Have some time off
When the pressure mounts, you will need a way to relieve that pressure. Heading to the gym or grabbing a quick coffee with a friend for an hour or so are all ways to switch off for a short period while you regroup. Make sure that you also allocate enough time in your schedule to have an afternoon/evening off from the intense revision every so often.
In the last few days
Leave plenty of time to do some practice papers under timed conditions. In the exam, you won’t have time to write everything about a given topic and so practicing will mean you will know how to best tailor your revision to specific questions in the exam. Revision sessions are also likely to be close to the exam but do not rely on these to learn or go through new content. Showing up with all your revision complete should just allow you to finalise the details and fully complete your preparation. Finally, on the day of the exam, ensure that you have gotten a good night’s sleep and eaten well before you go to sit the exam.
With so many techniques and a variety of different exams, it can be difficult to cope under the pressure; however these tips will go a long way to making sure you’ll do well. And once you’ve finished, why not search for a graduate or internship role?
