Tips Before Taking an Exam

Are you about to take an exam and don't know what to do? Nervous that you will mess things up and forget everything you have studied for the past few months?

Here are the things that you can:

1.      Check your schedule.

You should know what activities or plans you have to do before taking an exam. It is important to be aware of your schedule so that you can study worry-free. You wouldn't want other people or other things distressing you while you’re concentrating.

2.      Create a time table.

This way you can monitor and check what to do everyday. Plan ahead of time so that you wouldn't have a conflict in your schedule. If you see that it is already study time, follow your timetable. Being responsible is part of preparing for the test.

3.      Create a to-do list.

What are your goals? What are the things you need to do for this exam? Are you doing it right?

Create a list for everything. Post it on your bulletin board or somewhere you can see easily and all the time. It can act as a reminder and a motivation.

4.      Check the topics/subjects that you have to study.

You must be prepared upon entering the exam room. Most of the people who took examinations failed to answer properly and become frustrated when they discover that the questions which appeared in the exam were not included in their reviewers. It is of course exasperating to know that you failing the exam is a big possibility.

What you should do is check the coverage of the exam. Study everything. Make sure that you will study each topic even though you only have a couple of days.

5.      Make a reviewer/list of the things you want to remember.

This one is very effective for me.

You would want to create a list because it is tiring to scan a book or your notes over and over again looking for important details to remember. Highlighting is helpful but in some cases, it will just confuse you. Try making an outline, listing out all the important notes you want to remember. This way, you’ll be able to pull the note out easily and study anywhere and any time you want.

6.      Find a good and quiet place to study.

A good environment will help you relax, focus and effectively clear your mind.

Food to eat while studying.

7.      Eat healthy food.

Most of the time, people who are about to take an exam forget to eat enough. Eating less is not helpful especially if you’re going to a mind battle. Using your brain is as tiring as physical activity. Sometimes it is more tiring, so eat a healthy diet. You wouldn't want to miss the exam because you fainted while in the middle of answering. Do not forget to take care of your body.

Food to boost your memory.

8.      Sleep well.

Lessen your caffeine intake. You should get enough sleep and drinking too much coffee will not help. Trust me, sleep is very important especially if you are going to be reading all the time.

9.      Be responsible and do yourself a favor. Study!

If you want to get a good score, you must be responsible enough to take time to study. If you feel lazy, force yourself. Remember why you have to take this exam. Imagine what will happen if you fail. Think of the consequences. I’m sure you’ll have enough reasons not to skip study time everyday.

10.  Study More

If you think you have studied enough, you’re wrong. Study more! Check everything. Make sure that you have studied everything. You cannot risk just one topic.

Do not just focus on the easy topics. Spend more time studying the difficult subjects.

Join study groups or discussion. Ask and share some information about the topic that will be covered in the exam. Be interactive!

11.  Motivate yourself or find an inspiration.

This is very important especially if you are preparing for a very long exam. Losing hope or being demotivated is the last thing on your list. You must go out and find something that will keep you going. It can be your parents, friends, lovers or even a random good looking person outside your house. It might be your pet or anything that inspires you. Do not lose hope and give up. Just think of the reward that you will get after finishing the exam.

12.  Relax.

I know it is impossible for you to relax especially if your exam is near. However, if you are always worried about it you will not be able to focus on studying. Calm down. It’s not the end of the world. You are just going to take an exam.

You can get a massage, visit a hot spring or do anything that makes you feel peaceful.

We have different styles in approaching or dealing with a problem or a challenge. Remember that taking an exam is just like your everyday life. You wake up and prepare for the challenges of today. You encounter difficulties, but in the end, you’ll survive because you were prepared and you know inside you that you have the ability to accomplish your goals.