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Studying for a test can be pretty stressful. The best way to study is to give yourself plenty of time with the material, going over new information multiple times so that you really learn it. Most sources say not to wait until the last five minutes before a test to study, but if you have waited until the last five minutes, we have some ways you can use those five minutes to your advantage. You also can use these tips if you have done some studying already but just want to use the last five minutes for an extra review.
Steps
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Take deep breaths. You only have five minutes left, but don’t focus on that or worry about how badly you might do on the test. Clear your mind and try to think only about the material you remember learning that you will be quizzed on. [1] X Research source
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Write down your worries. During a study of highly anxious ninth graders taking a biology final, it was found that the students who took a couple of minutes to write down what they were worried about with the test did better on it than those who sat quietly during those couple of minutes. This technique tends to work especially for people who are constant worriers, because worrying clouds your thinking and causes you to miss questions that you may actually know. [2] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Do a simple recall. Make a quick list of the biggest points from the material: characters and plot, formulae, or important dates and events. Try to do it from memory, but if you can’t, glance at your notes for a couple of minutes first and then get writing. [3] X Research source
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Use any time available as extra study time. You may actually have more than five minutes if you remember about the test early enough. You could use the ride to school, lunch, recess, or between classes, before the class that the test is in. [4] X Research source
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Choose the information you’ll speed-read carefully. Since you don’t have a lot of time, focus on the bits that you think will most likely be on the test or that will get you the most points. Read the bolded words in the text and their definitions. If there aren’t any bolded words, then skim for other important information to review – dates, events, etc. [5] X Research source
- If you are taking a math test, review the formulas during your skimming session. Make sure you understand how to solve problems using the formulas.
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Memorize from flash cards if you have them. For definitions or math formulas, flash cards are a great way to review. Flip through them as quickly as possible and try to say the definitions or complete the formulae without looking at the back. [6] X Research source
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Say the skimmed information out loud. Repeating information out loud is very helpful for remembering it. If you made flash cards, repeat the information on them out loud, since you will most likely not be able to use them during the test. [7] X Research source
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Flip to the back of the chapter or packet and read the review questions. This is a great way to get you focused on what you need to remember for the test. Keep in mind the big points that are covered in the questions, and write them down.
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Read the study guide. If your teacher has given you a study guide, this is great news! Read it carefully. If you have time, read it again. And again. If it is a study guide with questions, hopefully you already answered the questions. Most likely, the material in the study guide is what will be on the test. [8] X Research source
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Repeat your notes to yourself. Whether using the chapter review questions or a study guide, try focusing on the most important questions and repeating the answers to yourself quickly. [9] X Research source
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Make up rhymes, songs, or mnemonics. A good last minute memorization technique is to use one of these devices for the answers of your review questions. Musically inclined students may find it helpful to make up a rhyme or song to memorize information. A mnemonic device is any memory association tool you use to help yourself remember something; the most common kind is a name mnemonic such as ROY G BIV for the colors of the rainbow (Red Orange Yellow Green Blue Indigo Violet) [10] X Research source
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Make a list of important details. Depending on the subject, make a quick list of important dates, characters, plot points, or formulae. Anything that you can take from memory will be a helpful review in five minutes.
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Choose a friend you trust. Studying out loud is a very helpful way to remember information. If you hear information and talk about it, you’re more likely to remember it. Just make sure you choose a friend who probably studied and understands the material.
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Talk about the material. Ask your friend if the two of you can exchange notes so you can read theirs quickly. After your friend has told you what they remember learning from studying, repeat what they say out loud, in your own words. Doing this will help you to better recall what you studied while you’re taking the test. [11] X Research source
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Ask questions and pay attention. If you’re not sure about what something your friend said means, ask about it. Keep asking questions until you understand it. Relate what you know already to what your friend is saying, and have a conversation about the test material. Figuring out what to stay focused on together will be helpful for the both of you.
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Quiz each other. Using your notes, ask each other some basic questions on what you think you should know for the test. Give each other a little pep talk too about how great you’ll both do! [12] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionShould I bring my notes to school?Community AnswerYes, you probably should. You may arrive early and have extra study time or your teacher may even decide to make your test open book.
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QuestionWhat if I keep on getting distracted from studying, or start to feel too stressed out?Community AnswerYou should make sure that you have had a snack, and go somewhere that is quiet and will allow you to focus. Try some deep breaths to relax, and then sit down to do your work.
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QuestionWhat should I do if I have many things to study in one day?Community AnswerPrioritize. Review the most important subject first.
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Tips
- If you have a genuine reason for not having time to study (soccer practice, then piano lessons, then CCD, or some type of real family emergency), discuss this with your teacher. If you’re a young student, you could ask your parents to write a note and bring it in to your teacher. Your teacher may give you some extra time before you have to take the test, but be understanding if they say that you still should have had enough time for studying.Thanks
- Stay honest. Don’t make up lies about why you didn’t study and don't resort to cheating. If you get caught lying or cheating, you will get a zero on the test and possibly be punished further.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- First, relax. The night before the test write some common mistakes you often make and want to avoid. Write down keywords that you need to include in your answers. Revise only the notes that you have made of your common errors and keywords. This will help you remember and not repeat the mistakes in the test. Do not cram anything else before the test or exam as you may forget easily. You might even forget what you had revised the night before.
- When studying for 5 minutes before, go over your notes and also your other references like study guides, textbooks, and other materials. Before your final exam starts, go to the bathroom (your invigilator won't allow you) and drink water (not too much or you have to hold it). Also when studying last minute, try to not cram on your next test.
- If you test is today, read some of the most important notes out loud. If you are at home or at school, highlight some of the formulas you don't know. This will help you remember them more smoothly. Also when you're studying, chew some unique flavor of gum, and when you're taking the test chew the same gum again. This will jog your memory.
- Make sure that you turn off all electronics and go to a place to relax. If you're house is still full of distractions, try reading your textbook outside. Try walking while reading the textbook. It will help you relax. If people/random strangers are laughing at you, remember that you are doing this to make your family proud.
- Revise each night after the test is announced so you won't come to this point. Use time between classes, lunch, recess, before school, and other times for extra study. In the end, don't cram because you will be even more stressed. Take a breath. Use the knowledge that you have about the topic and do the best you can.
- Always be prepared. Study the material the day it is taught so that you can perform well in exams. You can also ask your guardian/guardians to test you on the material you have studied. You can make up games about the material or go to some websites that would help your understanding and use those to test you.
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Warnings
- Studying for the test in the middle of another class is a bad idea. You will miss some valuable information during the class you are in, which may cause the cramming cycle to repeat.Thanks
- Cramming most likely will give you a low grade. Try your hardest not to procrastinate.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.uwa.edu.au/seek-wisdom/seekers-space/study/study-tips/2021/10/How-to-beat-exam-stress-with-deep-breathing
- ↑ https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=118396
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/enhancing-your-memory/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/testing-tips.html
- ↑ https://guides.centralpenn.edu/c.php?g=695569&p=4999857
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/metacognitive-study-strategies/
- ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/studying-101-study-smarter-not-harder/
- ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/test-terror.html
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Reader Success Stories
- "Yeah, I am going to try this tomorrow morning, because tomorrow is our exam when we try our best to obtain better marks. Right now I am feeling really worried because I have only reviewed half of the math syllabus, so that was actually a silly mistake! This mistake has taught me lesson!" ..." more
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"Yeah, I am going to try this tomorrow morning, because tomorrow is our exam when we try our best to obtain better marks. Right now I am feeling really worried because I have only reviewed half of the math syllabus, so that was actually a silly mistake! This mistake has taught me lesson!"
..."
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"I had a test today and the night before I had other homework, so I finished that first. By the time I finished my homework, I was tired and couldn't study anymore. After reading this, I could relax a bit."
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"I was expecting a sugar-coated article with stuff like "You can do this, just remember what you can" but it turns out it wasn't. Anyway I have a math test next period and this helped out a lot."
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"Thanks for the above information. Tomorrow morning is our exam which means a lot to us, and I am now feeling really afraid, but I will try my best to be free from stress."
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"I was actually looking for miracle ways to learn just right before an exam, but that'll do. I just really need to study more, thanks for letting me know."
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