AGAL Speaks: The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying

Yayy! My exams just finished and I am absolutely ecstatic with joy since I can finally get my nose out of my school books-well for the time being, anyway. In the meantime I’ve been celebrating in my own way by reading, writing my story, baking and watching a teensy bit of TV. At times I want to run back into the school building and go straight to the Headmistress’s office to shout “Wait, I need those exam papers back! “since I’m just so unsure of how my exams went. Well even if they didn’t go so well this time there’s always next time, right? Right!

This is why I have decided to enlighten you all with the dos and don’ts of studying before exams. I can’t guarantee you a brilliant grade; I’m no genie after all. But what I can guarantee you is more ease while you’re studying. Here goes!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Studying

On Normal Days:

Do take notes in class-and not just the kind that your teacher dictates. Make your own notes in your own words. This way it will be easier for you to understand what you’re reading when you go over them.

Don’t miss out on classes. Bunking class to go to the cafeteria may seem attractive at first but you’re going to regret it in the long run. If you miss too many classes they’re going to pile up and you’ll have a lot of catching up to do. Make sure to borrow someone else’s notes (or better yet, get your teacher to explain what you missed out on if they have the time) so that you don’t get left behind.

Do revise daily. Go over your notes at least once before every next class so that what you actually understand what your teacher is saying.

Don’t leave all your studying until the last minute. Cramming does not work before exams-especially when it’s your finals and you have to learn the entire syllabus. Cramming only works on tests. Studying a bit daily keeps the load of studying from piling up on your shoulders.

Do attempt from the chapters you complete. If your teachers give you worksheets then even better! If you get stuck on any problem, move on. In the end discuss all your problems with your teacher.

Don’t procrastinate. Delaying only leads to it building up.
Do practice, practice, practice. Because practice makes perfect! :3

The Day before the Exam:

Do decide how many hours you plan on studying that day beforehand. A timetable really isn’t necessary just so long as you keep a fixed number of hours in your head. Then stick to that special number like your life depends on it. ;)

Don’t overburden yourself. Keep taking five minute breaks after every hour of studying to keep yourself from losing concentration. If you easily lose track of time, set an alarm.

Do turn off your mobile phone and sign out of all your social networking sites. And by this I do not mean that you should turn your phone on to see if your friend replied to your last text message every break. Try to minimise all the distractions.

Don’t skip out on meals. Especially breakfast as it is the most important meal of the day. According to studies, it helps to keep you energised throughout the day so that you can carry out your daily activities.

Do keep a water bottle on you at all times. Keeping hydrated helps to clear your mind and hey, a little water never hurts anyone.

Don’t leave your room a dump. Your exams aren’t an excuse for you to keep your room messy. The tidier your room, the less the distractions, and the easier for you to concentrate.

Do keep calm. This may contradict all the other things I mentioned but seriously, what are exams anyway? I mean they’re just sheets of paper with questions that are meant to mess with the student’s minds. No big deal-definitely not the end of the world. So keep your calm and give it all you've got! :D

On the day of the Exam:

Do have breakfast.

Don’t oversleep.

Don’t panic

Don’t have a nervous breakdown (remember what I told you-you survived 2012. You’ll survive this too!)

Do pack your stationery beforehand along with anything else you’ll be taking with you to the exam hall.

Don’t be late! The last thing you want is to not be in time for the exam you’ve been studying so hard for.

Do go over your notes if you have the time.

And then keep your head high as you walk into the exam hall. Give it all you’ve got and just pray for the best. Have faith in yourself and it will work out!