Exams are coming, and you are on the verge of a breakdown when you realize how many papers you need to absorb. Don’t worry, I am here to save your day!
Here are 4 tips that personally saved me in this situation.
They are the main methods that work for me, I hope it will do the same for you!
1) The Cornell Method
Okay, I cheated a little bit, this one needs to be applied while taking notes in class. It is a classic in note-taking, but it will always be useful.
For those who never heard of it, here is how it works :
The most important part of it is the « recall », or “summary” zone: here, you have all the key points that you have to know if you want to have a good grade.
Did you know?
The Cornell Notes System (also Cornell Method) is a note-taking system devised in the 1940s by Walter Pauk, a professor at Cornell University.
2) Flashcards
Essentials and life saviors.
A lot of people say they use them, but they do it the wrong way: don’t write your whole lesson on it!
Of course, the content of your flashcards depends on the topic. In general, write down the principal titles, and the main ideas. And the vocab. If it is a history chapter, add some dates. In math and physics, write down some formulas. In biology, use LOTS of diagrams. Use your creativity!
You may have seen some pics of them on social media. It is okay if they are not as pretty and aesthetic as those, as long as you feel comfortable with them!
3) Colors
Use lots of colors. I insist on this point because the human brain likes when it sees colors everywhere; it helps to memorize better!
Don’t use random colors; I use this color code with my highlighters for my notes :
Blue: dates, important names
Green: formulas, key numbers
Yellow: important ideas or expressions
Orange: definitions, vocab
Pink: titles
Purple: examples
This is mine, but you can create one that fits you better!
PS: yes, I invested in highlighters; they are really useful, as you can add colors in your lessons even if you didn’t write initially with colorful pens.
4) The 50/10 study session
Recently I’ve been scrolling through the Internet and I found people using the Pomodoro technique, studying for 25 min and resting for 5 min. Why not?
But I prefer the 50/10 min study sessions, as I can focus for a longer time (and have a longer break). At the end of two 50/10 blocks, I rest for 30 min.
But as always, adapt according to your focusing capacities!
Did you know?
This technique was created in Italy during the 1980s. In Italian, “Pomodoro” means “tomato”. Why this name? Simply because the most popular kitchen timers at that time were in the shape of a tomato.
5) Bonus list
A list of stuff I usually use during my study sessions:
- Water (or hot chocolate)
- A lofi playlist (perfect for studying)
- Phone away!!!!
- A study buddy (I use my cactus, but a pet or a friend will be okay too)
- Why not a “study with me” video in the background?
That’s it, folks! I hope this was useful :)
Good luck with your exams!!
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