A Practical Guide to Getting through Exams

2hats
2hats
Aug 25, 2017 · 3 min read

Hey guys, if you’re worried about how to get through the whole exam period, here are some tips. Hopefully, it’ll be useful — even just a tad.

(Note: This post will be my personal views so depending on the type of person you are, they may not apply to you.)

PRE-EXAM

1. Study somewhere else, ditch your normal environment. Instead try out libraries, cafes and bookstores (they are some of my favourites)

2. Caffeinate or do whatever you need to do to stay alert and awake; nodding off while reading isn’t very helpful (that includes snacks as well)

3. Study hard for 50 minutes. No breaks, no distractions. Once you hit 50, take a 10-minute break. Training yourself this way forces you to study hard 80% of the time, instead of half-studying all the time — it’s much more effective.

4. Find someone else to panic with, and you’ll be rewarded in two ways: you’ll realize how much you already know by asking and answering questions, and you’ll figure out what you need to study.

5. Whisper, yell, sing, rap, whatever — say your notes out loud. I can’t overstate how much easier it is to remember something you say, hear and read than something you simply read.

6. Any sleep you can get at all is a crucial part of succeeding on an exam, and the more the better. Balance caffeine with getting to bed at some point, and once you get in bed, tune out. Think actively about something peaceful, so nothing else enters your mind, and you’ll nod right off. (music has helped me here)

DURING EXAM WEEK

1. Prepare your bag for exam day, you are already stressed and you don’t want to forget a pen.

2. Wear comfy clothes! You’ll be sitting there for hours so make sure you dress prepared to stay at a comfortable temperature.

3. You need to have a smart breakfast because hunger is just another distraction that you don’t need — eat light, avoid sugary foods.

4. If you have breaks during exams, eat snacks such as apples, oranges, grapes and granola bars so that you can eat them quickly and they give you energy straight away.

5. Allow time for traffic and unexpected delays so that you can arrive at Uni with time to spare. This allows you to get comfortable with your surroundings and calm down before you start on the exam. 6. When in the exam room, sit comfortably and spread out. It’s proven that when we physically make ourselves larger, by spreading our arms or leaning back on the chair, this releases a type of hormone which makes you more confident. It works — I promise.

POST EXAMS

With exam period finished and your last exam done, how do you fill that void and emptiness?! Netflix? … here’s a list of summer activities you could do after 5 seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine

1. Look for internships, they can be two days a week, full-time, or for a few weeks over summer, and are a great way to gain insight into to what you want to do. They’re also a great way to work out what you’re not interested in, which is just as important!

2. While you’re searching for things to do, volunteering is another great way to add experience to your resume while giving back to the community. It’s an opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people at a time when your friends from school or university may also be busy on their own job-seeking missions.

3. Fix up your resume and cover letter — prep yourself to impress future employers. And if you’re having some trouble, check out 2hats, a startup that gives free resume feedback.

4. Meet new people! Attend student events and get to know the people, make new friends. Bring a little confidence and you’ll be right.

Finally, everyone is different. Some people like to be on their own during exams, others blast motivational music on their earphones. Maybe you’re someone who likes to wear their shiniest pair of high heels for luck.

Do whatever puts you in the best frame of mind and you’ll be set up to ace the exam.

2hats

2hats is committed to placing talented students in the best startups and technology companies that Australia has to offer.

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2hats

Written by

2hats

2hats is committed to placing talented students in the best startups and technology companies that Australia has to offer. More at www.2hats.com.au

2hats

2hats

2hats is committed to placing talented students in the best startups and technology companies that Australia has to offer.

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