Exams can put you in an awkward position, especially if you have not prepared adequately. It is when the fear of performing poorly pushes one to look for a quick fix. With exams just a few days away, many questions go through the mind. For example, Should I cheat for once? What if I get discovered-what will be the consequences? How did I find myself in this situation of unpreparedness?

The truth is that exams can be difficult ordeals, but not entirely. Preparation is the key ingredient in getting yourself ready. But given that sometimes academic calendars are tightly packed with activities, the going can get difficult. It later dawns on you that exams are only a week away, so you start looking for quick fixes. You start looking for an online essay writer who has always helped you meet tight deadlines for tips on how to study exams. Will he or she help?

Many times, examinations are not take-away assignments. They are sit-in writing sessions bound by time. It is the thought of such tight situations that often throw many students into panic mode. In this post, we explore tips on how to study faster for exams and remember more. The following tips should, therefore, help you get started and do the right thing.

Study groups

Let’s start by issuing a warning. Study groups, especially big ones are not the most effective if you want to learn something fast. Often, they are a recipe for smaller and split groups that would divert your attention from the main discussion. You may find yourselves discussing the latest celebrity gossip instead of revising for exams.

But, if properly utilized, lean study groups, comprising of three to five students can save you from exam anxiety. From light moments to serious discussions, groups are perfect avenues for students who want to study fast and remember more. You are going to recall a lot of details from such sessions the moment exams kick-off.

Take notes 

Note-taking is not just a skill you need in the classroom. It is equally practical and effective when preparing for exams. With only a few weeks to sit for examinations, you cannot stuff everything in your brain and remember the finer details later on.  It is why we encourage note-taking as a technique for studying faster and remembering more.

Here is something you should have in mind. A recent study by Princeton University found out that students who take notes by hand are more likely to recall almost everything than those who use a laptop. However, you should only note down the key points that will help you remember finer details.

Take study naps

Studying does not mean you sit down for hours going through classroom notes. The brain gets tired, and what it happens, downtime becomes the opportune time for recalling everything. Many studies have helped explain how downtime helps students study well and grasp more information. For this approach to work, divide your study time into sessions. After every session, take a study nap.

Teach a classmate something

When you take on the challenge of teaching someone something, you get to learn faster and remember most things, if not all. The catch with this approach is that it is a completely different approach that does not emphasize studying to pass exams. You are studying to help someone, something that makes it even easier to retain information. You will also not want to pass on the wrong information to your ‘student.’

Final Words

Are you ready to hit the ground running with the first attempt of studying faster for exams? Well, apart from tips in this post, frequent but brief study sessions is another effective approach you should try. It works better than spending many hours studying but inconsistently.