Q&A for How to Create Good Study Habits for Exams

I believe nothing beats mnemonics and mental imagery when it comes to recalling certain rules and formulas. For example, math uses PEMDAS to teach the orders of operation, while English grammar uses FANBOY as a memory tool for conjunctions. Likewise, associating a concept with a certain image, picture, or person may facilitate recall.

Study whenever you feel fresh. Most people prefer to study in the mornings.

Always concentrate on the formulas. Note every formula from the chapter in a piece of paper and try to memorize it throughout the year. Ask friends or teachers for anything you don't understand at the time. If you find it really tough, set aside half an hour a day to do equations or problems. It depends on your age and class. If you do it frequently, you will eventually learn it.

Make sure to drink plenty of water, and try some brain boosting foods like blueberries, strawberries, dark chocolate, and apples.

Choose a quite, secluded place. Shut off all distractions, especially your phone. Ask your friends or teachers for help if you have problems with the lesson or subject you're studying.

Try making mind maps, cluster maps, or flashcards. These can help visual learners well. Don't write things in paragraphs, instead, break it down into points. If they are auditory learners, make some videos or voice memos for them to listen to and memorize. If they are kinesthetic learners, show them some models or props and explain from that.

Sometimes the exam is just unfairly or poorly written. Spend a couple of office hours with the teacher to know what will be covered, so that you can study the right material. Get a full night's sleep before the test and try to pace yourself as you take the test. Flip through the test and mark questions you might have trouble with, then make sure you leave extra time to complete the challenging ones. Also, make sure you check your answers!

Include all your extra-curricular activities, school/work hours, etc. Basically, include anything that you are bound to do almost every day/week. After you allocate those times, add times where you would have a break/ free time so that you don't burn yourself out. Then, add the subjects/things you learned that day/work to do from work into that same day--so you have better memory retention. Finally try-out the timetable and adjust. Remember: Major activities, breaks/lunch, free-time/rewards and revision-time must be included in your timetable!

Look at the mistakes you've made. Next time, be aware of the mistakes and don't make them again. Also, studying a day before the exam doesn't cut it, give yourself as much time as possible to study. Consider asking your teacher for extra help if you need it.

Focus on picking out the themes of the texts you'll likely be asked to analyze. You can practice this skill more generally by critically reading texts that are not associated with your English course. Of course, you'll likely also be asked to write essays, so make sure you have a good grasp of grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Tell yourself that liking it has nothing to do with making yourself do it. There are plenty of things in life you'll have to learn to do whether you like them or not if you're going to be successful. You can use an interactive study method like flashcards, mind maps or online notes to improve your recall. Make sure you have a distraction-free study space so you can focus on what you are doing. Last, have a study group of 'A' category students who will help you be accountable to study.

You can borrow notes from your neighbor if you have a hard time keeping up in class. You could also ask your teacher for a copy of the notes or for an outline to help you track with what she's teaching more easily.

On most cases, first rank goes to the student who studies regularly, smartly and efficiently for the whole semester. So, try doing that. Always keep notes of the chapters you read and study something everyday. Try remembering things you've learned in your spare time.

Try linking them to things you like. For example, make a song out of difficult science material, draw cartoons related to your history test. It's also helpful if you know what type of learner you are (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, etc.), because then you can tailor your study approach to your style.

Go to a very quiet place such as the library, this helps you stay calm and quiet so you can focus on your work. Another method is to put your phone on silent and put it on the other end of the room. Remove as many sources of distraction as you can from your study environment.

Create a study schedule for yourself and stick to it. Take good notes in class and use them to prepare.

Choose a study spot that is quiet and comfortable. Some people find listening to music helps them focus, so it this works for you, put some headphones on and listen to some music.

Make flashcards and review the material as much as you can.

As many people do, you can take notes while the teacher is speaking so that you remember everything later. If you don't think you can keep up with the speed of your teacher, you could ask your teacher if you can record the lesson.

Reread the textbook chapters again. Mark the important dates, people, and places in for your history exam on a separate piece of paper, and practice maps for Geography.

The best position is to sit on a chair with a table in front so that you don't fall asleep.

Work hard. That's it.

There's nothing to do now other than strive to do better in the future. Mistakes happen, but let this be a lesson in taking your time on your work and double checking your answers to help prevent those silly mistakes from happening.

Choose a quiet place like a coffee shop or library, somewhere you can be alone, or at least at peace.

Set a schedule and stick to it, but give yourself breaks.

No, you should always study one subject at a time.

Look over all notes, then go over the areas that you struggle most with. Take short breaks every hour so that you don't overload your brain. It is best if you start studying a few weeks before so that you don't have to cram.

You need to practice as much as possible, and do not be afraid to seek out additional help from your teacher or classmates.

Learn all of the main vocabulary words and make flash cards for what their meanings are. You should also try to explain what’s happening for things like photosynthesis in your own words.

Try taking notes as you study. Writing things down can help cement them in your mind. Make sure you are also getting plenty of sleep, eating healthy, and taking breaks.