Got a big test coming up? Your success will be determined long before you sit down to take the exam — it all comes down to how you prepare. Whether you’re studying for the MCAT, SAT, or GRE, your study approach is crucial.
If you’re seeking effective strategies to maximize your preparation, you’re in the right place. Here are the best ways to study and ace your next test.
Best Ways To Study: Prepare
Before diving into your study session, prepare yourself by doing the following:
Define What You Need To Accomplish
First, gain a clear understanding of what you need to achieve in this study session. For example:
- Will you be studying for one test or multiple exams?
- Will the test be multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or essay format?
- Can you bring notes or must you recall everything from memory?
Answering these questions helps you better define and optimize your study time investment.
Establish A Place To Work
Ideally, study for your test the same way you’ll take it: sitting upright at a desk or table. Avoid crawling into bed under covers, as this will make you drowsy and undermine memory retention.
Also, avoid studying in common areas with blaring TVs, crowds, or other distractions. Find a quiet space where you can focus alone. Background music is acceptable if kept low and unobtrusive.
De-Stress
Got a test tomorrow? Relax! You’ve got this. Don’t stress — it can create corticotropin-releasing hormones that disrupt the process of creating and storing memories.
Instead, incorporate light movement before settling down to study. Take a walk, do brief exercise, or try yoga. Schedule this well in advance so you have ample time for studying.
Getting Down To Business For Studying
Now that you’re in a comfortable space and physically ready, it’s time to get to work.
Absorb The Information
Several effective strategies can help you commit test material to memory. Here are time-tested methods that work efficiently:
- Recite your notes. You took notes for a reason — that material will likely appear on the test! Review the content, but don’t just read it. At each page’s end, practice reciting what you just read to engage long-term memorization.
- Organize the information. Whether or not you can bring notes to the test, organizing information in charts or grids helps you identify differences and details. Plus, writing the information will help tremendously to commit it to memory.
- Write flashcards. A classic study tool! This method makes you rewrite information while forcing recall from memory.
- Retake old exams or practice tests. Previous tests are gold! They provide insight into what your test will resemble. Take them to gauge your knowledge, but don’t obsess over specific questions since your actual test will certainly differ.
- Ask to be quizzed. Reading information differs from explaining it aloud to someone. Use this technique to assess how thoroughly you understand the material.
- Study with friends. As long as you stay focused, group studying ensures you’re all covering the same material scope. Plus, it provides partners for flashcard practice or quizzing.
Eat And Stay Hydrated
While studying, don’t become so focused that you forget to eat and drink. Snack on healthy foods (like fruit or vegetables) and drink plenty of water.
Take Frequent Breaks
Locking yourself away for all-night study sessions won’t help anyone. Memory retention deteriorates the longer you cram material, so taking short breaks serves your best interests.
Research from MIT recommends budgeting a 10-minute break for every 50 minutes of studying. Make it an active break — get up, move around, or spend five minutes doing something different like talking to a friend or playing an instrument.
Keep Your Eyes On The Prize
Though it’s tempting to end your study session early and turn on Netflix, resist! Consider the test and how earning an A could boost your GPA. Honestly assess: Am I ready for this? Using any techniques above, you’ll know if you are.
Get Some Sleep
No matter how much you study, you won’t perform well without adequate sleep. According to researchers at Harvard, ensure you get the recommended 7-8 hours by scheduling your study session well before bedtime.
The Big Test Day
On the morning of the big day, it’s time to excel by putting your best foot forward.
Eat Breakfast
Don’t skip breakfast due to nerves or rushing. Eat and drink something healthy! Your brain will recall test information far better when your body isn’t bombarded with hunger signals.
Go Over the Information In Your Head
While eating breakfast or heading to class, silently review the material you studied. Can you recall most of what you studied? Are there missing details you need to quickly review before test time?
Be Confident
The worst thing you can do before a test is believe you’ll fail. As Henry Ford once said, “Those who believe they can do something and those who believe they can’t are both right.”
Remember: You’ve got this! You studied, quizzed yourself, and can visualize your notes. Enter your test confident that you’re ready for whatever comes your way.
Final Thoughts: Best Ways To Study
Regardless of which test you’re taking, effective studying is essential. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned the best study methods. Remember: don’t stress, take breaks when needed, and stay confident!
You now have the tools to study effectively. Get prepared and go ace your tests!
