Exam Preparation - Ten Study Tips - Top Universities PDF

Interested in studying abroad?
Check out our comprehensive guides 
Exam Preparation: Ten Study Tips
12:00AM May 3, 2017  
Preparing for exams? Give yourself the best chance with these top ten study tips, and try not to let the stress get to you (/blog/how-not-cope-exam-stress)! Remember:
you've got this (/blog/top-10-inspirational-quotes-famous-writers).
Give yourself enough time to study
 (https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?

Save
u=https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/health-and-support/exam-preparation-ten-
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
study-tips)  (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.topuniversities.com/student-
Review our cookies information (/cookies-policy) for more details. OK, I agree
info/health-and-support/exam-preparation-ten-study-tips)
No, give me more info 
(/qs_ctools_custom_modal/nojs/email/1589)
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/day-mbbs-Vj64rKUrKLb7q)
Don't leave it until the last minute. While some students do seem to thrive on last-minute cramming, it's widely accepted that (for most of us) this is not the best way to
approach an exam. To help sort out your time management (/blog/7-time-management-tips-students), set up a timetable for your study. Write down how many exams
you have and the days on which you have to sit them. Then organize your study accordingly. You may want to give some exams more study time than others, so nd a
balance that you feel comfortable with.
Organize your study space
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/desk-fwxPSNMdhCEvu)
Make sure you have enough space to spread your textbooks and notes out. Have you got enough light? Is your chair comfortable? Are your computer games out of
sight?
Try and get rid of all distractions, and make sure you feel as comfortable and able to focus as possible. For some people, this may mean almost complete silence, for
others, background music helps (/blog/whats-best-music-studying). Some of us need everything completely tidy and organized in order to concentrate, while others
thrive in a more cluttered environment. Think about what works for you, and take the time to get it right.
Use ow charts and diagrams
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/southparkgifs-l0HlTEbRoQKBgFmNO)
Visual aids can be really helpful when revising. At the start of a topic, challenge yourself to write down everything you already know about a topic - and then highlight
where the gaps lie. Closer to the exam, condense your revision notes into one-page diagrams. Getting your ideas down in this brief format can then help you to quickly
recall everything you need to know during the exam.
Practice on old exams

Save
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/exams-gmJjYtLrEwDBe)
One of the most e ective ways to prepare for exams is to practice taking past versions. This helps you get used to the format of the questions, and - if you time
yourself - can also be good practice for making sure you spend the right amount of time on each section.
Explain your answers to others
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/denzel-washington-philadelphia-nuuS1IlKqd2dq)
Parents and little brothers and sisters don't have to be annoying around exam time. Use them to your advantage. Explain an answer to a question to them. That will
help you to get it clear in your head, and also to highlight any areas where you need more work.
Organize study groups with friends
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/community-study-group-62p4v4MB6BGIo)
Get together with friends for a study session (/blog/university-study-groups-bene ts). You may have questions that they have the answers to and vice versa. As long as
you make sure you stay focused on the topic for an agreed amount of time, this can be one of the most e ective ways to challenge yourself.
Take regular breaks
 via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/the-simpsons-sun-morning-euyLJkWydUslG)
Save
study-tips)
While  (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.topuniversities.com/student-
you may think it's best
Review our cookies
to study for as many hours as possible, this can actually be counterproductive. If you were training for a marathon (/blog/why-being-
information (/cookies-policy) for more details. OK, I agree
student-bit-being-olympic-athlete), you wouldn't try and run 24 hours a day. Likewise, studies have shown that for long-term retention of knowledge, taking regular
No, give me more info
breaks (/blog/how-have-productive-study-break) really helps. 
Everyone's di erent, so develop a study routine that works for you. If you study better in the morning, start early before taking a break at lunchtime. Or, if you're more
productive at nighttime, take a larger break earlier on so you're ready to settle down come evening.
Try not to feel guilty about being out enjoying the sunshine instead of hunched over your textbooks. Remember Vitamin D is important for a healthy brain.
Snack on brain food
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/colbertlateshow-lssc-late-show-jon-batiste-l46CsjPbOkdZmIyMU)
You may feel like you deserve a treat, or that you don't have time to cook, but what you eat can really have an impact on energy levels and focus, so keep away from
junk food. Keep your body and brain well-fuelled by choosing nutritious foods (/blog/brain-food-what-eat-when-revising) that have been proven to aid concentration
and memory, such as sh, nuts, seeds, yogurt and blueberries. The same applies on exam day - eat a good meal before the test, based on foods that will provide a slow
release of energy throughout. Sugar may seem appealing, but your energy levels will crash an hour later.
Plan your exam day
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/veephbo-3o7abqQOkzWmuf0tMY)
Make sure you get everything ready well in advance of the exam - don't leave it to the day before to suddenly realize you don't know the way, or what you're supposed
to bring. Check all the rules and requirements, and plan your route and journey time. If possible, do a test run of the trip. If not, write down clear directions.
Work out how long it will take to get there - then add on some extra time. You really don't want to arrive having had to run halfway or feeling frazzled from losing your
way. You could also make plans to travel to the exam with friends or classmates, as long as you know they're likely to be punctual.
Drink plenty of water

Save
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/water-drinking-little-zWBjvhuRZ8iAg)
As a nal tip, remember that being well hydrated is essential for your brain to work at its best. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your revision,
and also on the exam day.
Good luck!
via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/7ge427hSVer6)
Want more content like this? Register for free site membership (https://www.topuniversities.com/user/register) to get regular updates and your own personal content
feed.
This article was originally published in February 2008 and was updated in May 2017.
Looking to procrastinate? Don't worry, you're not alone
Related categories: exams, study tips
Mariana F, Moeketsi M & 69 others saved this
Written by QS Staff Writer (/users/qs-staff-writer)

(/users/qs-sta -writer)
Want to leave a comment?
Join us now Why join?
53 Comments
Add a comment

Save
Post
Carrieann B  1 month ago
I already do some of these things but will de nitely try to drink more water when I am studying
 0 Reply (/)  Share Report
Yuj I  7 months ago
Idiotic tips
 0 Reply (1) (/)  Share Report
yiu yNo u
Kirk R  9 months ago
Really helpful post, the tips were really useful. I want to add that I used some supplements to help. It’s called brainzyme and it really helped give my body some good energy and
keep me focused on what I need to be doing.
All Exam N  1 year ago
Thank you so much for sharing this amazing post.
Apachy N  1 year ago
It is amazing post and great use of animated pis.
Ankur V  1 year ago
What a amazing post
Dipak J  1 year ago
Thanks for sharing this article. i am a student of class 9. i was searching for Online Tuition Classes & i found this blog. these tips will de nitely help m,e in my exam preparation
Akash S  1 year ago
Well written and useful exam preparation tips for students. Thank you !!
Larry i  1 year ago
Those tips can be pretty e ective,cleaning your workspace really works and helps to concentrate. But no way i would stop procrastinating,i think.I try to ght it so hard,all the
time,but usually i lose that battle,mainly the reason is having a job perhaps,that take away alotta time that i could dedicate to studying.Sometimes i seek for assistance from online
tutoring, when i'm totally out of time. I guess i already got used to work in squezzed time frames.

Save
swati t  2 years ago
so much creative tips .Thanks for sharing this.
 0 Reply (/)  Share (/qs_ctools_custom_modal/nojs/email/1589) Report
Anton z  2 years ago
IDK I use zog.io to study
Munya M  2 years ago
Thanks lad. Def going to try your methods
Ronald M  2 years ago
Hey guys id like to say thankyou for your study tips i will do these yay
Mojtaba Z  2 years ago
nice tips
Emily R  2 years ago
You've made my day! Cool gifs to illustrate pretty helpful tips. I like the most to take regular brakes.
Sara S  2 years ago
A pretty good and useful tips and the gifs are so funny..
Thanks!
divya sbaby gif too go…
chene L  2 years ago
Wow nice tips!
Brij B  2 years ago
Thanks for sharing the important tips for board exams. It is very helpful for me.
Umer P  2 years ago
Oh man, look at those gifs hahaha
Also here is my entry for my Pakistani students http://www.taleemwala.com/

Save
Hope you will like it.

This
2 site
Replyuses
(/) cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Report
  Share
sham k  2 years ago (/qs_ctools_custom_modal/nojs/email/1589)
very useful and informative tips. I am ytuber and upload videos of educational topics for best videos sub my channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBlKxR0XFmn-
Ok7msVsB3Ow
Onkar N  3 years ago
Thanks for those world of wisdom ...common but easy to miss
Umar S  3 years ago
Get latest education news https://www.gettopinfo.com/
Anne D  3 years ago
Apart from using owcharts and diagrams, one great way to visualize information is through mind maps. Unleash the power of your brain’s hippocampus by mind mapping in 3D
with augmented reality. Create ideas and dive into concepts that mirror how your brain processes information through Mind Map AR by ScapeHop. Visit
https://www.scapehop.com/ to know more about this application soon to be available on ARCore.
hanibi A  3 years ago
Thanks for the last tips. I always ignore it

Thanks for the last tips. I always ignore it !
Scott T  3 years ago
I like that you recommend to drink plenty of water. Also, it might be a good idea to do this a couple hours before the test so that you don't have to get up to go to the bathroom.
Some teachers won't even let you leave.
Mike A  3 years ago
All great ideas!!! You should just add some modern touches to your list... Anyways. Good luck guys.
Younes K  3 years ago
Thanks
Samantha R  3 years ago
Very helpful tips for students, appreciate that. The most important among them is to nd yourself a quite place where you can study and no one can disturb you. Some additional
tips students can found here https://www.topuniversities.com/student-info/health-and-support/exam-preparation-ten-study-tips

Save
Romwell P  3 years ago
study-tips)
Review  (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.topuniversities.com/student-
our cookies
article? information (/cookies-policy) for more details.
OK, I agree
who's the author in this
 0 No, give me (/)
Reply more info
 Share  Report
Sharmin Sultana R  3 years ago
Just say wow,thanks
Nelson B  3 years ago
nice write up and a cool piece of help for students wanting to come out successful. Additional hints on students success could be found here http://aftaclass.com/how-to-prepare-
for-an-exams/
Kathryn J  3 years ago
What happens if you have been in college before for a short time and you want to go back to school only doing in a di erent country? I am 50 and want to nish a bachelors degree.
Any advice on what I have to do to try to get into school in a di erent country?
hannah e  3 years ago
Gifs are really funny, you explained every thing in way of fun. i have some more tips for which help with assignment writing:
1. Get a good start in class. Pay attention and take good notes.
2. Study in a quiet room. Turn o electronic devices. Only play music if it helps you.
3. Stay organized. Write a study guide. Review previous tests and assignments.
4. Start as soon as possible. Adjust your methods to suit your learning style and the subject.
5. Stay motivated. Take breaks every 20 to 30 minutes. Consider working with others.
6. Get enough sleep the night before. Eat a healthy breakfast and bring a snack
Suhani SHi Hannah, Th…
Zana Z  3 years ago
Thank you!!
aaron s  3 years ago
Very excellent TIPS! I believe in two words, don't give up and build the con dent on the way as you are going. thank you.
Abhishek R  3 years ago
Good tips indeed. Everyone should follow this to make their e ort more fruitful.
Hari P  3 years ago
thanks to tips

Save
Steve E  4 years ago
study-tips)
One thing toReview
include,our
 (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.topuniversities.com/student-
youcookies
requireinformation (/cookies-policy)
an approach to quiet down for more
in case details.
you're OK,is Ithat
excessively focused! Something I learn and discovered exceptionally helpful agree
calculating your eyes

up when you think about, and doing a half grin makes you less pushed. On the o chance that you feel your breathing and pulse too for around a moment that all quiets you down
No, give me more info
a considerable measure.
 0 R l (/)  R
vikash k  5 years ago
Hello,
I am Vikash from India has completed my MSc(CS) in 2014, i want to apply for MS/PhD Program in these top 100 universities. Please tell me that what i have to do for admission ??
and how can i will get noti cation for admission in these universities???
Laura B (/users/laurabridgestock) Hi Vikash - ple…
tony t  6 years ago
Thanks for sharing.Exams often form a big part of your academic assessment. As well as studying your course materials, there are many ways that you can prepare for exams to
increase your con dence and help you take the right approach. Here you will nd guides on the di erent types of exams you may encounter as well as tips on how to study for
them, surviving exams and how to interpret clue words in questions.
( http://www.atees.org/)
Temiloluwa O  6 years ago
Thanks alot that might just work
Martin C  6 years ago
There is also free tools around that will help you to leverage your exam preparation, for example the application described in this post "http://www.doepiccoding.com/blog/?p=407",
in few words the application is a very convenient tool for students of any level, with Chiron you can upload a set of questions completely designed by you into your Android device
to get ready for your hardest test, you should be able to study anytime anywhere you want if the test is that import to you, Chiron also helps you to keep the information that you
care the most around for a while easily, thanks to its reminders mechanism that pops up random questions of the exam in the Noti cation Bar of your device during the day. It is
extremely convenient, hope it helps you too guys...
Oxford S  6 years ago
I've found this really good book called "How To Get A First", a friend recommended it to me and I ended up devouring it. Just nished exams and feel pretty good about them for the
rst time ever.
kamran k  6 years ago
that is good,but I think it depends on everyone to be comfortable with what method
Santosh A  6 years ago
<p>Please be very careful. Last-minute studies does not help. Neither does revising until 12AM before the examination day.It will just make you weary and you will lose
concentration. Remember, concentration is the key.</p>
Lidiya M  6 years ago

Save
And we are prapairing in groups. Think it help more)

study-tips)
0 Reply (/)
(https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.topuniversities.com/student-
Share Report
Load more (/student-info/health-and-support/exam-preparation-ten-study-tips?page=1)
 Most Shared this month
(/student-info/choosing-university/worlds-top-100-universities)
The World's Top 100 Universities
(/student-info/choosing-
university/worlds-top-100-
(/blog/10-oldest-universities-world)
universities)
10 of the Oldest Universities in the
World (/blog/10-oldest-universities-
world)
(/student-info/scholarship-advice/scholarships-study-uk)
Scholarships to Study in the UK
(/student-info/scholarship-
advice/scholarships-study-uk)
(/student-info/scholarships/international-scholarships-students-developing-countries)
International Scholarships for
Students from Developing Countries
(/student-
info/scholarships/international-
scholarships-students-developing-
countries)
Recent Articles
Coming Soon: QS World University Rankings by Region 2021 (/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/coming-soon-qs-

world-university-rankings-region-2021)
5 Fantastic Reasons to Study in Singapore (/student-info/studying-abroad/5-fantastic-reasons-study-singapore)
7 Graduate Employers O ering Work Placements in 2021 (/student-info/careers-advice/7-graduate-employers-o ering-work-

placements-2021)
What to Expect When Studying in the Netherlands (/student-info/choosing-university/what-expect-when-studying-netherlands)
Most Viewed
This Month
1 Hsinchu (/university-rankings-articles/qs-best-student-cities/hsinchu)
2 London Locations to Fall in Love with this Autumn (/where-to-study/europe/united-kingdom/london-locations-fall-love-autumn)
Coming Soon: QS World University Rankings by Region 2021 (/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/coming-soon-qs-

3 world-university-rankings-region-2021)
4 QS University Rankings: Latin America – Methodology (/latin-america-rankings/methodology)
5 Top Universities in Latin America in 2021 (/university-rankings-articles/world-university-rankings/top-universities-latin-america-2021)
6 Valencia (/university-rankings-articles/qs-best-student-cities/valencia)
5 Reasons Why You’ll Want To Study Business In Guadalajara (/student-info/studying-abroad/5-reasons-why-youll-want-study-business-

7
Save
guadalajara)
study-tips)
5 Review our  (https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https://www.topuniversities.com/student-
Tocookies
Chooseinformation (/cookies-policy) for more details. Degree (/student-info/studying-abroad/5-reasons-choose- OK, I agree
Reasons
An International Experience For
8 international-experience-your-bachelors-degree)
Your Bachelor’s
9 QS University Rankings: Arab Region – Methodology (/arab-region-rankings/methodology)
10 Sao Paulo (/university-rankings-articles/qs-best-student-cities/sao-paulo)
Most Commented this month
(/student-info/student- nance/how-much-does-it-cost-study-germany)
How Much Does it Cost to Study in
Germany? (/student-info/student-
nance/how-much-does-it-cost-
(/student-info/qs-scholarships/qs-undergraduate-scholarship)
study-germany)
QS Undergraduate Scholarship
(/student-info/qs-scholarships/qs-
undergraduate-scholarship)
(/student-info/scholarships/international-scholarships-students-developing-countries)
International Scholarships for
Students from Developing Countries
(/student-
(/student-info/scholarship-advice/scholarships-study-uk)
info/scholarships/international-
scholarships-students-developing-
Scholarships to Study in the UK
countries)
(/student-info/scholarship-
advice/scholarships-study-uk)

Save
Rankings
Discover
Events
Prepare
Apply
Careers
Community
About (/about-qs) Contact (/contact-us) Privacy (/privacy-policy) Users (/user-agreement) Cookies (/cookies-policy)
 (https://instagram.com/topunis/)
 (https://www.youtube.com/qstopuniversities?
sub_con rmation=1)
 (https://www.linkedin.com/company/243103)
 (https://twitter.com/TopUnis)
 (https://www.facebook.com/topuniversities)
© QS Quacquarelli Symonds Limited 1994 - 2020.
All rights reserved.

Save

Exam Preparation - Ten Study Tips - Top Universities PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Exam Preparation - Ten Study Tips - Top Universities PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Interested in studying abroad?

Check out our comprehensive guides 

Exam Preparation: Ten Study Tips

12:00AM May 3, 2017  

Give yourself enough time to study

Organize your study space

via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/desk-fwxPSNMdhCEvu)

Use ow charts and diagrams

via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/southparkgifs-l0HlTEbRoQKBgFmNO)

Practice on old exams

Explain your answers to others

via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/denzel-washington-philadelphia-nuuS1IlKqd2dq)

Organize study groups with friends

via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/community-study-group-62p4v4MB6BGIo)

Take regular breaks

Snack on brain food

via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/colbertlateshow-lssc-late-show-jon-batiste-l46CsjPbOkdZmIyMU)

Plan your exam day

via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/veephbo-3o7abqQOkzWmuf0tMY)

Drink plenty of water

via GIPHY (https://giphy.com/gifs/7ge427hSVer6)

Looking to procrastinate? Don't worry, you're not alone

Related categories: exams, study tips

Mariana F, Moeketsi M & 69 others saved this

Written by QS Staff Writer (/users/qs-staff-writer)

Want to leave a comment?

Join us now Why join?

 0 Reply (/)  Share Report

Yuj I  7 months ago

 0 Reply (1) (/)  Share Report

Kirk R  9 months ago

 2 Reply (/)  Share Report

All Exam N  1 year ago

Thank you so much for sharing this amazing post.

 2 Reply (/)  Share Report

Apachy N  1 year ago

It is amazing post and great use of animated pis.

 0 Reply (/)  Share Report

Ankur V  1 year ago

What a amazing post

 0 Reply (/)  Share Report

Dipak J  1 year ago

 0 Reply (/)  Share Report

Akash S  1 year ago

 0 Reply (/)  Share Report

Larry i  1 year ago

 2 Reply (/)  Share Report

IDK I use zog.io to study

 0 Reply (/)  Share Report

Munya M  2 years ago

Thanks lad. Def going to try your methods

 0 Reply (/)  Share Report

Ronald M  2 years ago

 2 Reply (/)  Share Report

Mojtaba Z  2 years ago

 1 Reply (/)  Share Report

Emily R  2 years ago

 1 Reply (/)  Share Report

Sara S  2 years ago

 2 Reply (1) (/)  Share Report

divya sbaby gif too go…

chene L  2 years ago

Wow nice tips!