JUPITER CHRISTIAN – With May comes final exams to conclude the school year. Oftentimes, students procrastinate studying because they do not know how to start or create an effective plan to retain the information. The following are five basic steps students can follow to study well for exams.

First, create a calm, distraction-free environment to study. Picking a quiet spot allows your brain to stay focused on your task ahead, rather than the busy outside world. When you have your quiet study environment, put your phone out of reach. By putting all distractions aside, your focus will be solely on the material being studied.

Next, attempting to overflow your brain with all of the information the night before your exam is not the solution. Plan out the days you will study for each subject, about a week or two before exam day. Break up your study time into shorter sessions, with breaks in between. Start with 25 minutes of studying, followed by a 5-minute break. This will lessen the stress of studying and improve your brain’s long-term memory. This tactic of studying is called the Pomodoro Technique.

There are several methods of studying to help engage your brain with the material being studied. One way is by quizzing yourself through flashcards or mock tests. By explaining the concepts to yourself, your memory becomes strengthened. This method can be achieved through physical cards or digital copies through study apps such as Quizlet. Flashcards and mock tests can allow you to effectively focus on definitions, formulas, key concepts, and more. Participating in interactive study methods allows your brain to retain the key information so you are prepared for test day.

Organization is also key when reviewing and studying. After learning new material, summarize it in your own words to allow your brain to deepen its understanding of the concept. By going over your notes daily, the information is reinforced, making studying days easier. Having good notes, along with summaries, relieves last-minute stress from studying.

Finally, stay relaxed. Heightened stress will only fog up your brain and make it difficult to think clearly. Manage your stress through thorough breaks or mindfulness.

Overall, before studying for final exams, you should find a calm environment, space out your study time, break up study sessions, find effective study methods, stay organized, and have a relaxed mindset. With these strategies, you will become more confident, prepared, and successful come exam day.