Smart Study Hacks For Acing Exams

By Ashley Paskill on December 11, 2018

College is a time for students to focus on academics and getting a degree. While there are a lot of things that occupy a student’s time such as clubs, jobs, and other obligations, studying and passing their classes are the biggest priorities. A huge part of doing well is being able to pass exams. No matter how well you did in high school, college exams are a whole new level. Even if you are a good student, there is always room for improvement when it comes to study skills. If you are looking to up your study game, here are a few study hacks that can help you become a more confident test taker.

study hacks

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Teach someone else what you studied

A sure sign that you know the material that you have studied is that you can recite it in your own words. After you study for a while, find a friend, family member, or roommate and teach them the material you studied. Use language they will understand and tell them to ask questions. If they ask a question you cannot answer or you get stuck on a specific aspect of the subject, you will know what you need to go back and look at closer. Saying the material out loud allows you to further memorize the material and being able to put the material in your own words as opposed to reciting it verbatim from the textbook or class notes is proof that you have a solid grasp on the material.

Use mental associations or mnemonic devices

Associating the material with things you understand helps you memorize the material. Being able to make a connection with something not directly related gives you a personal way to remember a difficult aspect of the subject. This shows that you have a firm grasp of the material and that you have good critical thinking skills. Relating and connecting new material to material you learned earlier in the semester or in an earlier class shows that you know your stuff and that you are learning well.

Mnemonic devices are memory tricks that help you remember lists or other information. When you were in grade school, you probably learned “Please Excuse My Dear Aunt Sally” for PEMDAS in math or “Every Good Boy Does Fine” for the lines on a treble clef musical staff. These are mnemonic devices. The phrase you come up with includes letters that stand for something else. While you need to know what the letters stand for in the context of the subject you are studying, the phrase allows you to remember all of the letters.

Avoid cramming

It is no secret that college life can get pretty busy. From classes and jobs and internships to clubs and maintaining a social life, it can be difficult to find time to study. However, the main reason you are in college is to take classes and earn your degree. Studying to get good grades needs to be your top priority. Waiting until the night before to cram for a test may work sometimes, but this method does not allow the information to be absorbed properly. When you cram, you are likely to forget the information right after the exam, which will come back to haunt you if you need the material for later exams or more advanced classes.

Study in chunks. Trying to review multiple chapters of material in one sitting is not the best way to study. In order for your brain to fully absorb information, it needs to take in new information in small pieces. Therefore, break up information into smaller sections. Create a study schedule and set a designated chapter or section to go over each day. Go in-depth and make sure you have the material mastered.

Take breaks. It is difficult to learn when your brain is feeling tired and overwhelmed. After 20 minutes of studying, take a 10-minute break. Use that time to grab a healthy snack, take a brief walk, or do something fun. Check your social media accounts and emails during your break so that you are not tempted to do so during your designated study runs. After your break, review the material from the previous session to ensure you have it down pat. If there is something you are struggling with, look over it again or ask your professor for clarification.

Watch videos on the subject

Sometimes, no matter how many times you read a section of your textbook or ask your professor a question, the material may still seem impossible to grasp. Even if you understand it, you may still want someone else’s perspective on the subject. Luckily, there are a variety of video platforms, from YouTube to Udemy, that provide users with a wide selection of videos from different people so that you can find a person that helps you understand the material better. Some videos even contain helpful songs that function as mnemonic devices.

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