Study Tips: How to Cram Effectively for an Exam
It’s exam season once again—the time when students are busy studying to ace their exams. Preparing for exams can be stressful for most students. You’re lucky to review all your lessons early, but sometimes you’ll find yourself cramming your study sessions for an upcoming test.
While cramming is not the best way to study for an exam, you’ll probably look for ways to maximize the time you have to review before the test starts. That is why we rounded up foolproof study tips on how to cram for an exam effectively:
1. Plan when and where to study.
Given the limited time to study, go to a quiet and well-lit place where you can review all your study materials peacefully. It is crucial to put any distractions away like gadgets or TV so you can fully concentrate.
2. Review your notes.
Use lesson notes to your advantage. Scan your notes carefully and look for highlighted topics and key information that may appear in the exam.
You can create a reviewer on paper like index cards or use colored highlighters and sticky notes to memorize important lesson points. If you don’t have study notes, it is better to borrow or copy study guides from someone else.
3. Use other study materials.
You can read past lessons straight from the textbook or other reading materials. However, reading the entire chapter will be time-consuming when you are already cramming. Instead, you want to focus on chapter summaries.
Same with lesson notes, make it a habit to highlight important texts. Workbooks, quizzes, or homework are also a great way to review for your exam. Go back to previous topics that were already quizzed and review yourself on the right answers.
4. Take rests in between study sessions.
As much as you need to cram, taking a break from studying will help refresh your memory. It is best to take at least 5 to 10 minutes of rest after an hour or two of reading so you won’t get overwhelmed with information.
You can also use the chunking technique by dividing your review material into major parts. Go chapter by chapter with breaks in between to balance your cramming session.
How to Prepare for Exams
Before your exam day, you also have to prepare not only your mind but also your body. Get at least 8 hours of sleep and avoid studying late at night. Eating healthy meals will also boost your brainpower.
With all that study tips for students, here are the school supplies you also need for your cramming sessions and exam day:
1. Mongol Exam Set
Most exams require a number 2 pencil. Equip your writing supplies with this Mongol Exam Set. It includes three pieces of Mongol No.2 pencils, a Mongol sharpener, and a Mongol eraser.
2. Stabilo Boss Highlighter
Taking notes is essential in studying. Keep a water-based highlighter in your school supplies list to mark important topics and points in your study materials. The Stabilo Boss Highlighter comes in vibrant colors like yellow, pink, green, and more.
3. Low Price Intermediate Pad
Every student needs pad paper in their school supply essentials. Do your class quizzes or write down notes as you study with our Low Price Intermediate Pad. It has book paper quality best for all writing needs.
4. King Refillable Clearbook
Avoid losing all your review materials and other school records. Keep a clearbook in your school supply must-haves. Our King Refillable Clearbook is spring bound so you can refill transparent pockets for all your school files.
5. Joy 4-in-1 Sticky Notes Film Index
Mark important study points in your reading materials with the help of sticky notes. This Joy 4-in-1 Sticky Notes Film Index is the perfect school supply for highlighting, marking, and indexing needs.
6. Round Desk Lamp with Pen Holder
When studying (or cramming) at home, make sure you have a good quality lighting solution on your study desk. Our Round Desk Lamp with Pen Holder is a study area must-have as it comes with a handy pen holder for your stationery items!
7. Corona Spiral Math Notebook
Studying math is so much easier when you have the best notebook to keep all your mathematical notes. Our Corona Spiral Math Notebook is great for organizing math notes and solving algebra problems, especially if you’re studying for a math exam.
8. Maped Ruler
A ruler is one of the most important school supplies used to measure and draw straight lines. If one isn’t enough, you can get a set of 4 rulers from Maped! This set of transparent rulers includes a 12-inch ruler, 180-degree protractor, 12cm square 45-degree triangle ruler, and 21cm square 60-degree triangle ruler.
9. Casio Scientific Calculator
Designed to solve different mathematical problems quickly, ace your math subjects with the help of this handy scientific calculator from Casio. It features a variety of calculation functions for Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and more!
10. Pilot Frixion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen
You don’t have to worry about writing the wrong answer on your exam with the Pilot Frixion Clicker Erasable Gel Pen. This erasable gel pen lets you erase mistakes and rewrite without damaging or tearing your paper.
To have an effective cramming session (if the situation calls for it), you need to study smart, not harder. Remember that study techniques and learning strategies are different for every student. Build an effective study schedule that works best for you or look up study tips for exams.
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