Got a big test coming up? Believe it or not, your potential for success will be determined long before you sit down to take your exam by how you go about preparing for it. Whether you’re prepping to take the MCAT, SAT, or GRE, how you study is crucial.
If you’re looking for https://globalcustody.pro a few good strategies that will help you get ready, then you’re in the right place. Here are the best ways to study and ace your next test.
Best Ways To Study: Prepare
Before starting your studying, prepare yourself by doing the following:
The first step is to get a clear understanding of what you need to get out of this study session. For example:
When you answer these questions, you can better define and optimize the time you’re going to invest.
Ideally, you should study for your test the same way you’re going to take a test: By sitting upright at a desk or a table. Don’t crawl in bed under the covers because that will just make you tired and undermine your memory retention.
Also, don’t try to study in a common area where there’s a TV blaring, lots of other people, or other distractions. Find someplace quiet where you can be alone and focus. Music is okay but only if it’s turned down and in the background.
Okay, so you’ve 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, get some light movement in before you sit down to study. Go for a walk, do some brief exercise, or even try out yoga. Be sure you schedule this well in advance so you’ve got plenty of time to hit the books.
Getting Down To Business For Studying
Now that you’re in a nice comfortable place and are physically ready to study, it’s time to get to work.
There are many effective ways to start committing the test material to your brain. Here are a few time-tested strategies that work very efficiently.
It’s important while you’re studying to not get so focused that you forget to eat and drink. Be sure to snack on some healthy food (like some fruit or veggies) and drink plenty of water.
Locking yourself in your room to study all night long isn’t going to do anyone any good. Unfortunately, memory retention starts to wane the longer you cram the material. Therefore, it can be in your best interest to take a short break.
Research from MIT recommends that you budget a 10-minute break for every 50 minutes of studying. Be sure it’s an active break too. Get up and move around, or do something else for five minutes like talk to a friend or play an instrument.
Even though it can be tempting to call it a night, close up your study session early, and turn on Netflix, don’t! Think about the test and what getting an A can do for your GPA. Honestly ask yourself: Am I ready for this? Using any of the techniques from above, you’ll know if you are or not.
No matter how much you study, you’re not likely going to do very well if you go into your test with anything less than a good night’s sleep. According to researchers at Harvard, be sure you get the recommended 7-8 hours by scheduling the start of your study session well in advance of when you should be going to bed.
The Big Test Day
On the morning of the big day, it’s time to own it by putting your best foot forward.
Don’t skip breakfast because you’re nervous or in a rush. Again, eat and drink something healthy! Your brain is going to be far better at recalling test information when your body isn’t bombarding it with feelings of hunger.
While you’re eating breakfast or on your way to class, go over the material you studied silently in your head. Are you able to recall the majority of everything you studied? Are there any missing details that you need to quickly review before its test-taking time?
The worst thing you can do before entering a test is to believe that you’re going to fail it. 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 for it, quizzed yourself, and can even visualize the notes you’ve taken. Go into your test reassured that you’ll be ready for whatever they throw your way.
Conlusion
No matter what test you’re about to take, studying is key. Throughout this guide, you’ve learned the best ways to study. Remember, don’t stress, take breaks when you need them, and be confident!
You’ve got the tools you need to study the best way you can. Get prepared and go ace your tests!
