As the merry festivities have passed and the semester draws to an end, St. Augustine’s students are working day and night to polish off final projects, memorize speeches for end-of-unit presentations and study ferociously in anticipation of the much-dreaded week of exams. January 26th, 29th, 30th and 31st are just around the corner, marked on the calendars of many classrooms. Meanwhile, teachers are dedicating their time making practice exams and outlines to ensure that students are thoroughly prepared. So without further ado, here are some tips and tricks to help you make the best of your study time and ace your exams!

Tip #1: Early Bird Gets the Worm
To all the procrastinators out there, it may seem like the best thing to do right now is put off studying and cram later, but that’s easier said than done. Exams week will hit you before you know it! Put aside time each day after you complete your homework to look over your notes, especially the material you learned in September that you may not remember as well. If you study a little bit each day, the information will be easier to retain because your brain will have time to let the information sink in, in between your study times.

Tip #2: A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish
Use a calendar (the calendar in your student handbook is always useful!) to plan out what you want to memorize or review each day. Having a calendar will help you make sure you’re staying on track and urge you to stay focused. If an extra motivator is needed, try rewarding yourself when you reach your goal for the day or week, like saying, “If I can review all of Unit 1 in my science textbook this week, then I will let myself buy that new video game or book I wanted.”

Tip #3: Focus
Go to a quiet place to study where you know you won’t be bothered by others. If you can’t find a room at home, try a local library or community centre. Depending on the person, listening to music may or may not be a distraction. Try to use instrumental music so that the lyrics of your music don’t get in your way when you’re memorizing. Have only what’s necessary with you, and keep your phone out of sight.

Tip #4: Make Study Notes
As you review, make notes of important concepts, theories and principles that you think will be on the exam. You are more likely to memorize information that you have written out. Variety also makes things different, unique and therefore memorable. When possible, use colourful pictures, diagrams and charts. If you need a visual for concepts you don’t remember well, look for a online for a corresponding video. Lists are easier to recall when you use acronyms and mnemonic devices.

Tip #5: T.E.A.M.- Together Everyone Achieves More
Some people find it difficult to study with others around, but if you’re a naturally-social person, it might be beneficial to study with peers. Find others in your class who are willing to study as a group. That way, you can make study notes together and discuss lessons you don’t understand. Playing Jeopardy!-style games or quizzing others in your group about the information you need to know for the exam works well, too.

Tip #6: Eat, Drink, Sleep
Having healthy snacks by your side will keep your brain fuelled and can improve concentration. Fruits, nuts, veggies and yogurt are nutritious alternatives to junk food. Make sure you drink enough water even while you’re busy studying. The night before your exam, go to sleep early- sleep for at least eight hours, and the morning of your exam should include a hearty, protein-filled breakfast to get the energy you need.

Tip #7: Preparation is Key
Make sure you pack everything you need for your exam ahead of time to avoid the extra stress on exam day. Some teachers may give out a checklist of what they want you to bring, and if that’s the case, make sure you have everything you need. Pencils, backup pencils, erasers, pens, correction tape, highlighters and a calculator are some of the things you might want to have with you in a clear Ziploc bag, and make sure that the label is taken off if you’re bringing bottled water to avoid any complications or get suspected of cheating.

After you’ve checked each of these success-oriented tips off your never-ending to-do list, all that’s left to do is review, revise and repeat. Study hard, Titans!

By: Caitlin K.
01/27/2018