I have sat a fair few exams in my time. SATs, GCSEs, AS and A-Levels and my journalism exams. Therefore, I've also done A LOT of revision and finally realised there's a few things you can do to make revision, and therefore exams, a little less stressful. As we are currently in exam period here in the UK I thought I'd share a few of those with you so maybe they might help you feel a little better about the whole exam and revision thing.
1. Find your revision strategy
People tend to think there is one best way to revise but that's not the case. Everyone learns differently and once you've found whether you learn better by listening, reading and writing or doing you'll find the information much easier to learn. However, you also need to find out if you revise better in the morning, afternoon or evening and on your own or in groups. It's also a good idea to think about the best way to revise for different subjects as not every subject will be easy to revise in the same way. For instance for an English exam where you need to remember quotes, flash cards will be useful, but for a Maths exam quizzes might be better.
2. Start early
Prepare for exams early by making a revision timetable as soon as you know when the exams will be or earlier if possible. The earlier you start the more confident you'll feel when it comes to the exam. Also start with more extensive notes and break them down to smaller notes as you go. The shorter and easier to digest the notes are the more likely you'll remember them. However, you need to make sure you understand the information as well.
3. Use practice tests as much as possible
Practice tests are a great way to revise. They easily show you what you know and what you need to revise more. You can get them online or your teachers might be able to provide some for you as well. Also ask your teacher if they will go through them with you once you've completed it as online marking systems can be a bit complicated and vague. However, as good as practice tests are don't try them until you feel fairly confident with the majority of the information as otherwise you may feel disheartened if you find it difficult.
4. Don't go revision crazy
Don't revise all day everyday. Revise in 30-45 minute chunks (unless of course you're doing a practice tests that requires more time) and take 15-30 minute breaks. Have a walk, get out in the fresh air and have some water and some food. Nothing too heavy that will make you feel sluggish but fruit, vegetables or a healthy nut bar will give you energy and turn your brain on again. Also think about what you've done or will be doing at school as well as what you'll do in your own time. This is also important when making your revision timetable. For instance if you've got a science lesson that day try and avoid science revision in your own time that day and then go over it again later in the week to consolidate new information.
5. Know when to stop
The day before the exam is not the time to be trying to learn new information. In the last few days before your exam you want to be really consolidating all the information you know and make sure you're confident with it all. You might remember some new information and that late stage but you're unlike to remember it all and it might make you feel more stressed and anxious.
6. On the day
Avoid anyone who's stressing about the exam. They'll make you doubt yourself and knock your confidence which is not what you need before your exam. Go over what you know with your friends but don't take in any new information or worry if they know something you're not 100% sure about. An hour or so before your exam don't do anything to do with it. Don't talk about it and if possible don't think about it too much. Try and relax, drink plenty of water, have something to eat to give you energy but not over fill you and make sure you use the toilet. Do everything you can to remain calm and confident.
I hope these help a few of you feel more confident about any exams you've got coming up. But remember exams don't tell you anything about yourself, who you are or what you should be. Be confident in yourself and you'll be fine.
Good luck if you've got exams coming up and let me know if you've got any good revision tips.
Until next time,
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