Exam Season – Tips and Strategies for Good Performance

In the next couple weeks, all students in PHS are full of exams, here are some tips or good advice you can use to get the best grade possible:

  1. Create a study schedule: Be organized with your time. Use a planner, preferably a physical one, and keep it in your backpack at all times.Focus on getting better at your weaknesses and review later what you already know.
  2. Use learning techniques: Instead of just reading your textbook and falling asleep through the process, find some ways to catch your attention, studying doesnt have to be boring, just do what you think will work better for you . The most popular are using flashcards, videos with consise explanations, highlight the main points and just write them over and over till you know the content, teach it to someone, it will help you stay familiar with the information. If you’re able to explain it to someone else, you for sure understand the topic.
  3. Create a to-do list of modules you still have to learn and use a timer to keep track. Knowing you have a determined amount of time to finish something gives you the adrenaline necessary to stay focused and reach your goal.
  4. Avoid a distracting environment. Having a mobile device around you will make you want to constantly check it, so turn it off, on NOT DISTURB. This leads you to not procrastinate and finish your assignments or info review briefly.
  5. Practice the past AICE or regular tests your school has done for that specific subject. It will enlighten you and be very helpful to understand what you are going to be asked before the test. Knowing exactly how the test will save you from studying unnecessary information.

Studying can be very overwhelming, it can burn you out to a point where is impossible to concentrate. Some things you can do to take care of your mental health and relieve some stress are:

  1. Prioritize self-care. Get enough sleep, eat healthy foods, exercise or simply move your body constantly, maybe get an ice cream if it’s a bad (or even a good one) day. Treat yourself for working so hard, and don’t ignore your needs, the body needs the same care as the brain does.
  2. Take breaks. It’s important you allow your mind to rest, since getting too much information at once can feel like a heavy weight on your shoulders. Take a nap if it’s necessary, and don’t pressure yourself by doing it all so fast.
  3. Stay in close touch with friends, family, and peers for support. Knowing that you have someone loved or important around you can actually be so helpful for your mental health and during your learning process.
  4. Don’t stress yourself too much, and remember that you mean more than your grades.
  5. Stay motivated by repeating affirmations of your good qualities.
  6. Learn stress management techniques like journaling, meditation or yoga to help you stay calm and with a clear and peaceful mind.
  7. Get help. Whether you have great mental health or not, talking to someone trusted or a therapist might help you find strategies to cope with the negative aspects that come along the way.

Mental health is above anything. Remember that everyone has their own way of studying, so find what works best for you and stick to it. Good luck tigers!

Photo credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hand-writing-exam-classroom.jpg

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