It’s exam time. You’ve studied hard and, naturally, you want to do well. Our top 8 revision tips can help you stay calm and focused during your exams.
1. Start early
Starting your revision early means you can spread it out and avoid last-minute panic. Aim to start revising in the mornings when your brain is fresher. Sometimes, revising later is unavoidable, but try to limit late night sessions. You can't revise successfully in a rush, so avoid last-minute cramming during all-nighters in your room or the library. But if you have left it to the last minute, try to focus on the subjects you think will come up on the exam.
Once you know what to revise for the exam, make a revision timetable to plan your sessions using a digital or paper diary. Avoid the temptation to jump straight into your revision without one. Making a plan does take time, but it will save you hours of figuring out what to revise each day. Include lots of detail in your plan like relevant readings or lesson notes. Block out time for socialising, exercising and other breaks. Stick to your timetable as best as you can.
2. Find out the exam format
Make sure you understand the exam format and scope so you know what to revise. Look over your syllabus and decide your approach. For essay-based exams, you probably don't need to cover the whole syllabus. It can be more effective to learn a little content in more detail. Short answer-based exams need a broader, less detailed understanding of the material.
3. Find a revision method that works for you
Revision techniques include flash cards, past papers, mind maps, group work and recording yourself talking then playing it back. Finding what works for you involves trial and error. Bear in mind that what works well for one exam might not work for another. Starting your revision early gives you time to find out the best revision methods for you.
4. Test yourself
Time spent testing yourself pays off, so come up with questions to test your knowledge. Make sure you understand what you're revising by thinking it through, rather than learning by mechanical repetition. Ask your friends and family to test you too.
5. Teach someone else
Explaining what you've learned to someone else is a great way to be sure you understand the topic. It will also help you remember information and identify any areas you don't fully understand.
6. Space out your revision and take breaks
Memorising information takes time – you can’t cram it all in at the eleventh hour and expect it to stay there. Give yourself the best chance of success by staggering your revision – five hours of revision over five days is better than five hours in one day.
Stepping away from your revision for a short period of time helps your brain process and cement information, and improves your ability to remember it. Do some stretching, go for a walk, have a cup of tea – whatever gets you away from your study space for a little while.
7. Look after yourself
Make sure you sleep and eat well, get some exercise and reward yourself.
