Beating those exam blues – A Preparation Guide

So, it is that time of the year again when exams loom large on the horizon and you are gearing up to face them confidently in the next few months. We know you have a very hectic schedule after which you probably have very little time left to spend on focused studying. Worry not. A planned and organized approach in which you systematically tackle all your weak areas while continuing to polish your strong areas, will soon get you feeling in control again.

Here are a few tips that can help you prepare better for those exams and help keep stress at bay. Get set to aim for an outstanding performance this exam season.

• If you haven’t started studying yet, remember that panicking will not get you anywhere. You need to start organizing all your study resources subject wise and begin planning your study schedule. Get down to making a study schedule right away!

• One of the biggest problems that students face while making a study routine is that they set highly ambitious daily targets for themselves. Plan and manage your time according to your exam date sheet. Start with the topics/subjects where you need to focus more.

• Remember, it is important for you to understand a concept well before moving on to another one. Take some time out for periodic breaks, but make sure you stick to the time-limit!

• When you sit down to tackle difficult chapters, try to study them through a video tutorial. It has been proven that something learnt audio-visually stays with you for longer . After watching the videos in the chapter you can revise how much you know by taking the chapter test to assess how much you have learnt.

• Revise Revise and Revise. You must have quick and concise revision notes handy so that you can refer to them any time.One of the most effective learning practices that you can and should adopt in addition to studying by yourself is group studying. Collaborative studying allows you to discuss your problems regarding any concept with friends. It also helps you assess your own understanding of the concept when you explain it to another person. You can also sit together for a mock test paper and evaluate your performance later. Needless to say, group studying can also be an effective stress-busting mechanism.

• Be particular about your eating habits. We know you feel hungry while studying. Opt for healthy snacks like a bowl of your favourite fruit, nuts, puffed rice etc. Avoid starchy, oily, sugary and processed snacks. They make the body lethargic and the mind sluggish.

• Take a walk or talk to friends and family when feeling a little stressed. It helps:)

• Do not stop pursuing your hobbies because they help you relax. But remember to not get carried away by them!

Follow these simple tips and charge ahead of others in the upcoming exams! Do write in to let us know how you are faring in your preparations, or simply if you need some encouragement when you feel ‘stuck’! You can write in to me at expert_payalkrishnan@meritnation.com

Wishing you good luck!

Payal Krishnan

Career Counselor- Meritnation.com