Overview
When it comes to exam preparation, research has shown that cramming in study a night or two before is an ineffective study technique. Despite the large number of people who admit to cramming before an exam or test, it doesn’t work.
Whether you’re an aspiring nurse looking for NCLEX strategies or just looking to study smarter, this guide is for you. Many of the exam preparation tips and tricks can be applied to many fields and incorporated into all learning styles.
The importance of exam prep
Exam preparation is just as important as the exam itself; taking the proper preparation measures can set a student up for success. A study from psychology scholars supports this, finding that study resources can improve exam scores.
The study, published in Psychological Science, found that students, when using study resources effectively, such as for exam preparation, outperformed other students who didn’t by an average of one-third of a letter grade in the class.
One-third of a letter grade can make all the difference in the world of academia. Exam preparation extends beyond study, too. It’s also about ensuring that you’re physically and emotionally well-rested for the upcoming exam.
Understanding your learning style
Before delving into studying tips, it’s crucial that you understand the concept of learning styles. Every student processes information differently, and the best way they absorb, process, and retain information is known as a learning style.
There are generally three primary types of learning styles. They are based on the VARK model developed by Fleming and Mills, and include:
Learning about and identifying your learning style is critical for studying and overall exam preparation. Once you’ve figured out whether you’re an auditory, kinesthetic, or visual learner, you can adapt your study materials accordingly.
If you’re unsure about what learning style works best for you, you can take the official self-report VARK questionnaire to find out. It can help you determine what learning style you align with and how you can adjust your study habits.
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Tips for studying
When it comes to exam preparation, study is only half the battle, but that doesn’t make it any less important. Being well-prepared for your exam is the best way to overcome any stress and anxiety and increase your chances of getting good grades. Below are our five tips for studying before an exam.
Start early
Procrastination has not only been linked to reduced academic performance but also worse mental health. When it comes to exam prep, you want to start early. Create a timetable and, more importantly, stick to it.
Starting early gives you more time to review material, plan for rest days, and also accommodate any unexpected delays. If possible, we recommend starting to study at least a month before the exam.
Organize your study space
Studies have found that a well-organized study desk can motivate someone to study. Similarly, where a person studies and their environment can also affect how productive and effective they are.
Before even placing down textbooks and grabbing a pen, you should always take time to clean and organize your study space. You want to make sure that you have enough space for all your study resources and that the environment is well-lit.
Turning on features like Do Not Disturb on your devices can also help organize your study space. It can minimise distractions, as it blocks out any non-essential messages and notifications.
Take short breaks
Taking short breaks during long periods of study is crucial. It can help reduce burnout and give your brain a rest to let it retain information. Balancing rest and study during exam preparation is essential.
If you struggle with taking short breaks during study, there are study techniques that can help. For example, the Pomodoro Technique is a game-changer. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the study method involves studying for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break.
After you’ve done four cycles of the Pomodoro Technique, you start taking longer 15-30 minute breaks. It can help improve focus, prevent burnout, and promote accountability.
Schedule time for exercise
Studying and exam periods are stressful at the best of times, which is why it’s important to schedule in regular exercise. Physical activity in any form can act as a stress reliever, reducing anxiety and boosting your feel-good endorphins.
Consider a study buddy
Having a study buddy or group can help you during exam preparation and study. You can keep each other motivated, hold each other accountable, and share knowledge. Study buddies can also help you refine your knowledge and provide valuable feedback and insight
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Other exam prep tricks
Study only makes up half of exam preparation. Beyond revising what you’ve learned through the semester and going back over old textbook chapters, you need to prepare your body and mind. Below, we’ve listed a few other crucial exam prep tricks you should follow.
Eat nutritious meals
Research has shown that, unfortunately, not all foods are equal. Food (and drink) consists of different vitamins and nutrients that can impact your physical wellbeing, mental health, and most importantly, your cognitive function.
During the preparation period and especially on the days leading up to the exam, avoid any junk food. Keep your brain and body well-fueled by only eating nutritious meals, food that is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and omega-3s to improve your concentration and memory. For example, these include:
- Berries
- Nuts and seeds
- Eggs
- Avocados
It’s also important to stay hydrated and limit your caffeine intake.
Sleep, sleep, and sleep
Alongside eating a nutritious diet and staying hydrated, it is critical that you are well-rested and get plenty of sleep. Sleep is vital to ensure normal human cognitive performance, and not getting enough sleep can diminish cognitive function.
The last thing you want to do is throw away all the work and effort you put into exam preparation due to lack of sleep. Sleep is crucial for cognitive processes such as attention, language, reasoning, learning, and decision-making.
Focus on your mental health
This tip is essential, not only during exam preparation but your entire academic career. Don’t neglect your mental health when you’re studying. Make time to practice mindfulness, monitor your stress/anxiety levels, and reach out to a friend if you need it.
Mental health conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can impact academic outcomes and lead to burnout. If you’re struggling with your mental health, support is essential. Ask friends or family for help, or seek professional support from a counselor or therapist.
Conclusion
Effective exam preparation goes beyond simply memorizing material the night before. By understanding your learning style, starting early, organizing your study space, taking regular breaks, exercising, and having a study buddy, you set yourself up for success. Equally important is caring for your body and mind eating nutritious meals, getting enough sleep, and maintaining good mental health are all essential components of effective preparation.
With a balanced approach that combines smart study habits, self-care, and consistent effort, you can reduce stress, retain information better, and perform at your best on exam day. Remember, preparation is not just about passing the test—it’s about building habits that support long-term learning and academic success.
