Whether you’re a traditional student facing the pressures of exam season or someone going back to college later in life, the upcoming exams can be overwhelming. However, it’s important to remember that you can do well on your exams with the right approach and mindset.
In this article, we’ll explore 30+ awesome study tips most people don’t know about that will equip you with the right tools and strategies to ace your school or college exams this year!
Effective Study Tips Most People Don’t Know About
1. Explore Virtual Reality (VR) Learning Apps
Use VR apps to immerse yourself in virtual learning environments. Some apps provide interactive simulations that can deepen your understanding of complex subjects.
2. Create Mnemonic Sentences
Build sentences where the first letter of each word corresponds to the information you’re trying to remember. Mnemonic sentences add a narrative element to help recall.
3. Practice Mindful Studying
Integrate mindfulness techniques into your study routine. Focus on being present and fully engaged with the study material to reduce stress and improve concentration.
4. Experiment with Different Study Positions
Changing your study positions occasionally is a practical study tip not many are aware of. Sitting, standing, or even lying down can change how you feel and may help reduce physical discomfort during long study sessions.
5. Use the “Memory Peg” System
Associate numbers with specific rhymes, phrases, or objects to create memory pegs. The Peg System is particularly useful for remembering numbered lists or sequences.
6. Apply the “Method of Loci”
The method of loci is a useful technique for memory enhancement. Associate each piece of information with a specific location in your surroundings. As you mentally walk through these locations, you can recall the associated information.
7. Write a Letter to Explain Concepts
Pretend you’re writing a letter to someone who has no knowledge of the subject. This exercise forces you to simplify and clarify concepts, reinforcing your own understanding of the study material.
8. Create Study Challenges for Yourself
Turn studying into a game by setting challenges or quizzes for yourself. Competing against your own benchmarks adds an element of fun and motivation.
9. Use Colored Transparent Overlays
If your course material consists of a lot of text, consider using colored transparent overlays. Research suggests that this study tip can reduce visual stress and increase reading efficiency for some students.
10. Practice “Microbursts” of Productivity
Rather than having marathon study sessions, experiment with short, intense bursts of focused study followed by brief breaks. This learning technique, also known as “time blocking,” can improve productivity.
11. Record Your Voice Explaining Concepts
Record yourself explaining key concepts. Listening to your own explanations helps you learn and identify areas that may need more attention.
12. Incorporate Sensory Elements
Associate different sensory experiences with specific topics. For example, listen to a particular type of music or chew gum while studying then replicate those conditions during the exam.
13. Create a Digital Learning Journal
Maintaining a digital journal where you reflect on your study sessions is another excellent study tip. Write down your focus points and set goals. Reviewing your progress can help you improve the way you study over time.
14. Embrace “Moonwalking”
Try mixing up the order of your study material. Just as Michael Jackson’s moonwalk seemed backward but was a carefully choreographed routine, studying the course material in reverse order can deepen your understanding.
15. Create Conceptual Art
Turn complex ideas into visual artworks. You can use symbols, diagrams, and drawings to represent concepts, making art that helps you study and be creative at the same time.
16. Make a “Study Trigger” Playlist
Create a playlist of specific songs you only listen to during study sessions. As you listen to these songs more, your brain will link them to concentrated learning, preparing you for studying.
17. Apply the “Feigned Forgetfulness” Technique
Actively forget a small detail about the topic you’re studying, then work to remember it. Working hard to recall information improves your memory and gives you a better grasp of the overall concept.
18. Teach Your Study Material to a Virtual Avatar
Talk to voice-activated virtual assistants or chatbots to practice explaining what you’re studying. Explaining concepts to an interactive AI can help you learn the exam material faster and make studying fun.
19. Experiment with Ambient Scents
Introduce specific scents during your study sessions. Research suggests that certain scents can affect how well you learn and remember things. This learning method can help you remember information during tests and exams.
20. Create DIY Educational Games
Transform your study material into fun and interactive games. Whether it’s a card game, a board game, or a digital quiz, turning exam preparation into a game can make learning more enjoyable and effective.
21. Apply the “Reverse Outline” Technique
Once you make a plan for your essay or talk, try making a short summary by simplifying the main points. This makes the important ideas stronger and shows how they connect.
22. Experiment with Binaural Beats
Explore the use of binaural beats, which are audio tracks designed to influence brainwave patterns. Some students find these beats beneficial for relaxation and concentration during study sessions.
23. Practice “Spaced Retrieval”
Test yourself on previously learned material at spaced intervals. This learning method helps you remember the information for a longer period of time because you revisit the information at specific intervals.
24. Use the “Chunk-Refine-Recall” Method
Break down study material into smaller chunks, understand each part better, and then try to remember the whole thing. Doing this over and over helps you understand and remember better.
25. Embrace the Pomodoro Technique with a Twist
Instead of using the traditional 25-minute study intervals with a 5-minute break, try experimenting with different time intervals. Some people find that adjusting the timing to fit their focus levels (e.g., 40 minutes of study followed by a 10-minute break) works better for them.
26. Explore the Power of Scent Association
Introduce a specific scent while studying and then use the same scent during the exam. It can be any smell that you like. This association can trigger memory recall, as our brains often link scents with specific experiences.
27. Try Mirror Reading
Read your notes or study material in front of a mirror. It might sound strange, but doing this can help your brain in a different way and make you remember and understand things better.
28. Incorporate Kinesthetic Learning
If possible, physically act out certain concepts or processes related to your study material. This hands-on approach engages your body and can help you learn better.
Best Study Tips for Success
1. Make the Exam Topics Relatable
Making exam topics relatable is easier said than done, but it’s certainly possible. Connecting abstract concepts to real-life examples or personal experiences makes the information more meaningful and easier to remember.
Let’s take a complex topic like “cellular respiration” in biology and make it more relatable:
Original: “Cellular respiration is the process by which cells generate energy from organic molecules.”
Relatable Version: “Imagine your body as a busy city. In this city, cellular respiration is like the power plants working hard to generate energy for all the activities. Just as a city needs energy to run its lights, appliances, and transportation, your cells need energy for everything they do. So, cellular respiration is essentially the powerhouse of your body, providing the energy needed for you to move, think, and function every day.”
Creating relatable stories or analogies is an effective strategy that not many know about. Associating key concepts with familiar situations helps your brain establish connections, turning the information into a narrative that’s easier to recall during the exam.
2. Be the Teacher
Another good tip for studying is taking on the role of the teacher or professor. This method involves explaining concepts and information as if you were teaching them to someone else.
You can ask a friend, classmate, family member, or anyone else you have in mind if they could listen to your mini-lecture and give you feedback. By explaining this material in your own words, you reinforce your understanding and identify areas that might need improvement.
Start by selecting a topic you’re studying. Break down the information into key points and then explain these points as if you were teaching a class. When you adopt the mindset of a teacher, you engage with the study material more actively.
You can even go as far as creating summaries and diagrams. Teaching the material to yourself can enhance your memory and comprehension. Also, this learning strategy allows you to approach the material from a different perspective, helping you understand it more.
If you encounter any difficult concepts, break them down into simpler terms as if you were simplifying them for a group of students. So, the next time you’re studying, become your own teacher. Explain the concepts to yourself or someone else, use different examples, and answer your own questions.
3. Attend the Review Sessions
Attending review sessions, especially for an online school, is a good tip on studying for finals that can significantly boost your understanding of course material and improve your exam performance. These sessions offer valuable insights into key concepts, important topics, and potential exam questions.
By attending the review sessions, you get the chance to clarify any doubts you may have and gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Teachers and professors usually provide additional explanations, examples, and study tips during these sessions.
In addition, during review sessions, you can discuss the upcoming exam with your classmates, ask any questions, and share your knowledge. Attending review sessions also allows you to identify gaps in your knowledge and focus your study efforts on topics that may need more attention.
Incorporating review sessions into your study routine is like having a guided tour through the most critical aspects of the course.
4. Take the Right Approach to the Exam Format
Taking the right approach to the exam format is a crucial study tip that can significantly impact your performance. Knowing the exam format—whether it’s multiple-choice, essay-based, or a combination—allows you to tailor your preparation accordingly. Ask your teacher or professor about the exam format so you will know how to prepare for it.
If your exam is multiple choice, focus on mastering key concepts and recognizing patterns. Practice with sample questions to increase your chances of recognizing the correct answer among different options. You can also develop a systematic approach, like eliminating incorrect choices, which can be very beneficial.
For essay-based exams, work on your writing skills and practice structuring coherent arguments. Focus on the types of questions commonly asked and create outlines for potential essay topics. It will help you express your ideas clearly and concisely.
Knowing the exam format also helps you manage your time effectively during the test. Allocate specific time slots for different sections based on the exam structure so you won’t spend too much time on one part and not have enough for other exam parts.
5. An Essential Study Tip: Eat A Healthy Diet
Make it a study tip to regularly incorporate whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats into your daily meals. A healthy, balanced diet helps your brain work well and stay focused throughout study sessions.
Our brains use glucose, which is found in foods like whole grains, fruits, and veggies, to stay alert during study time.
Protein, another essential nutrient, supports the growth and repair of brain cells while also influencing neurotransmitter production, which facilitates communication between brain cells. Lean meats, fish, beans, nuts, and seeds are all excellent protein sources.
Healthy fats, like those in avocados, olive oil, and nuts, are also important for brain health. They help make myelin, a protective cover for nerve cells that enhances the speed of signal transmission between neurons. This is vital for quick thinking and problem-solving.
In addition to these nutrients, small nutrients like vitamins and minerals are also essential. Vitamin B12, found in animal products and some foods, helps with thinking and memory. Vitamin C, in fruits and veggies, acts like a shield, protecting brain cells. Iron, found in red meat, poultry, and leafy greens, is vital for oxygen transport to the brain.
However, eating well doesn’t just help your brain to pass your exams. It also gives you more energy, makes you feel happier, and strengthens your immune system.
If you eat a mix of healthy foods daily, you can give your brain and body what they need to do their best — crucial for mastering how to pass exams. This way, you’ll have the energy, focus, and strength to do great in your studies.
6. Establish a Dedicated Study Space
Creating a dedicated study space is one of the most powerful study tips you should remember. When you establish a designated area just for studying, you signal to your brain that it’s time to focus and prepare for the exams.
Your study space doesn’t have to be anything special. It could be a part of your room, a specific desk, or a cozy spot in your house. The most important thing is to use the same space every time you study.
This way, whenever you go to your study space, your brain will already know it’s time to get things done. So, whether it’s a desk in your room or a quiet corner in a library, having a dedicated study space can really make a difference in your study time.
Another study tip: having a dedicated study space also helps you stay organized. You can decorate your study corner and keep all of your study supplies in the same place, such as a good desk lamp, a comfortable chair, and any tools that help you learn.
Having everything you need to study for your exams right in front of you will help you stay focused and reduce any distractions.
7. Set Realistic Goals and Break Down Large Tasks
Setting realistic goals and breaking big tasks into smaller parts is a smart way to make studying easier and less stressful. Instead of overwhelming yourself with a massive job, take it step by step.
An Important Study Tip for Finals
If you have a big assignment or a final exam coming up, break it into smaller tasks like researching, writing an outline, and then tackling each section separately. This tip for studying makes the workload more manageable and less stressful.
Setting realistic goals is like creating a roadmap for your study journey. Think about what you can realistically accomplish in a day or week, considering your other responsibilities. This way, you set yourself up for success without feeling overwhelmed.
Breaking tasks down also helps you track your study progress. As you finish each small part, you get a sense of achievement, which can motivate you to keep going. It’s like putting together a puzzle—one piece at a time. This approach makes studying less daunting and helps you stay focused and motivated.
The next time you face a big study task or a final exam, take a moment to set realistic goals and then break them into smaller, doable steps.
8. Incorporate Effective Time Management Strategies
Incorporating effective time management when studying is another good study tip to help you make the most of your study sessions. It’s all about planning your workload so you can prepare for your exams without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.
Start by making a list of what you need to study. Break down bigger tasks into smaller steps to make them more manageable. Once you have your list, determine which subjects or topics are more important or need more attention. Focus on those first.
Using a timer on your phone will help you stay focused while studying. Set it for a specific amount of time to work on a subject, then take a short break. This practical study method helps you concentrate and prevents you from getting too tired.
Avoid multitasking, especially if you’re balancing parenting responsibilities. It can make you less efficient in the long term. Instead, focus on one subject at a time. Once you finish one, move on to the next.
It’s also okay to say no to other things when you need to study for exams or finals. Being realistic about what you can handle helps reduce stress and improves your time management.
Remember, effective time management isn’t just about studying all day, every day, until the exam date. It’s also about making time for things you enjoy. Balancing study and relaxation keeps you motivated and prevents burnout.
Don’t forget about this study tip the next time you have an upcoming exam. You’ll see that it can make a significant difference in your studying journey!
9. Avoid Silent Study Spaces
Choosing a study environment that isn’t silent can actually be beneficial when preparing for exams. While complete silence may work for some students, others find a bit of background noise or a moderate level of activity helpful for concentration.
Avoiding overly quiet spaces can be especially useful if you’re easily distracted. A completely silent room may amplify small sounds, making even the ticking of a clock or the hum of electronics distracting.
Opting for a place with a subtle level of ambient noise, like a soft instrumental playlist or the gentle hum of distant activity, can create a more comfortable and focused atmosphere.
Coffee shops, libraries with low-level chatter, or study spaces with a moderate buzz can provide the right balance for some people. This ambient noise can create a productive environment for studying, helping to drown out potential disturbances.
Experimenting with different study environments and finding a level of background noise that enhances your focus rather than disrupts it can contribute to a more effective and enjoyable study experience.
So, don’t shy away from a bit of ambient noise, bring along your computer, and treat yourself to a productive session at the nearest coffee shop.
However, you have to find what works best for you, as different people have different preferences.
10. Use Chat GBT as Your Study Buddy
A fresh exam preparation tip is to utilize ChatGPT as a helpful resource. ChatGPT, like an intelligent study buddy, can assist you in many ways during your exam preparation.
When you’re stuck on a concept or need clarification, you can ask ChatGPT questions. It’s like having a knowledgeable friend who can provide explanations and help you understand complex topics.
Additionally, you can use ChatGPT to brainstorm ideas, outline essays, or discuss complex subjects, making your study sessions more interactive and fun.
Also, using ChatGPT can improve your writing skills. Practice for your exams by answering possible questions. You can even ask ChatGBT questions like how to pass exams if you only have one day left or if you didn’t study at all, and it will give you some great advice.
However, it’s important to combine ChatGPT and other useful apps and tools with traditional study methods. While it’s a valuable tool for information and idea generation, incorporating textbook readings, note-taking, and hands-on problem-solving ensures a thorough approach to exam preparation.
11. Bonus Study Tip: Spoil Yourself
When studying for exams, it’s important to spoil yourself a little. In the midst of all the studying, it’s easy to forget about taking breaks and doing things you enjoy. So, treat yourself to something nice when you finish a tough section, go for a short walk to clear your mind, or spend a few minutes doing something you love.
These little acts of self-indulgence can make studying more enjoyable and help you stay motivated. They give your brain a break, preventing you from feeling too tired and stressed.
Remember, doing well in exams is not just about learning the material; it’s also about taking care of yourself along the way.
Conclusion
Good study habits are key to doing well in school. It’s not just about how much time you spend studying for your exams but also about how you study. Whether it’s staying organized, setting realistic goals, using active learning methods, or taking breaks to relax, there are many study tips to help you learn better.
Everyone is different, so it’s essential to find what works best for you. Being flexible, staying positive, and bouncing back from challenges is crucial for success in your studies.
In the end, learning is a dynamic journey. Trying out different study strategies helps make your learning experience more enjoyable and effective.
