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10 Useful Study Tips for Upcoming Exams
1. Study in an isolated and/or quiet space with a table and chairs. The less distractions, the
better. Empty classrooms and study halls in libraries work well, while parks, cafes, and public
spaces can be very distracting.
2. Listening to music while studying is a matter of personal preference, but if you decide to, it is
preferable to listen to ambient music or music with no lyrics. You don’t want music that will
cause you to lose focus, or want to dance or sing along. You should be absorbing the words on
the page, not the lyrics.
3. It can be helpful to take your notes in different colors. When asked about certain subjects on
your exam, you might find yourself remembering what the colors looked like on the page and
therefore what the notes themselves explained.
4. If the material you are studying is reading-heavy, it can be helpful to pause every few
paragraphs to paraphrase what you’ve learned in your own words. This is a helpful way to
reiterate what the book tells you, and it creates a useful guide you can use later to review.
5. Schedule your study days strategically. Give yourself at least two full days with each subject:
one to review everything you’ve learned, and the other to solidify everything. On the first date,
do research to make sure you fully understand every topic. On the second date, you should feel
confident about everything and have all your questions answered.
6. Try to avoid the internet for social networking purposes as much as possible while prepping
for exams. While the web can offer a wealth of information with which to study, it is one of
biggest distractions out there. You’ll find that your productivity increases tenfold when you
don’t even have the option of going online to put “status updates” or chatting.
7. Don’t overdo it. Give yourself a break. Many students find that the information sinks in
better after studying for five to ten hours, then socializing or relaxing for several hours. If you’re
studying during a Saturday and Sunday, allow yourself to do something fun on Saturday night;
don’t trap yourself in your room with your books.

2. 8. On that note, make sure to get some sleep! Especially in the two days before the exam rolls
around, it is important to give yourself seven to nine hours of sleep. This is the time when your
brain recovers, after all. Your performance on exam day will significantly improve if your body is
well rested.
9. Review everything with a colleague after you’ve reviewed it all yourself. It can be helpful to
hear another student’s perception of the same material, and you can compare and contrast
your takes on important concepts. Many students find it more helpful to study in groups only
after they have reviewed the material on their own, so as not to add to the confusion.
10. Eat well for the week leading up to the exam. This will give you and your brain more energy
and will fend off the likelihood of getting sick. On exam day, be sure to eat a filling breakfast
with whole grains, fiber, and protein, such as eggs, oatmeal, yogurt, or a filling vegetable wrap.
If you drink coffee every day, drink a normal sized cup; if you don’t, there’s no need to start
now. You don’t want to be jittery during your exam.
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