Escaping Exams
Nicole Murphy, Contributing Writer
Issue date: 12/4/09 Section: Campus News
Exams are coming. Stress is building. Preparing for those fateful days, there are a few helpful hints that have been proven to help out. While exams always lead to hours of cramming and panic, staying calm and preparing in advance are age old techniques.
A few helpful hints will enable you to perform to your maximum ability during that final stretch of exams. For example, when studying, hand write your notes again- don't try to type them. It helps your mind ingrain them as each word takes specific effort to be written rather than a key-board being hit quickly. When you're studying, remember, no texting and no Facebook! Try to shut off everything electronic. Peaceful music is pretty much the only exception. Undivided attention will allow your brain to absorb the information better than studying with distractions.
The night before an exam is always stressful and full of anxiety. Try sleeping for a full eight hours before taking your test. It allows your body to rejuvenate and be prepared for stress and concentration. Prepare far enough in advance that an all-nighter isn't necessary. Put yourself to bed, ignore your roommate, and sleep.
Finally, down to the wire, the hours building to the exam are crucial as well. Make sure any last questions are answered. An hour before your exam, drink a full bottle of water. Being hydrated helps your brain to focus. Make sure you use a bathroom before stepping into your classroom though!
Twenty minutes before the start of your test chew a piece of gum. It's energizing for your brain. Lastly, five minutes before putting that pencil to your paper, stop talking to class mates. Stop texting. Stop looking over your notes. Take a few deep breaths. Assure yourself that you're prepared for the exam. Relax for a few seconds.
These things - except for maybe the sleeping for eight hours - are simple, and hardly require extra effort. But they've been proved to work. Try them out. There's nothing to lose by chewing some gum or drinking some water.
A few helpful hints will enable you to perform to your maximum ability during that final stretch of exams. For example, when studying, hand write your notes again- don't try to type them. It helps your mind ingrain them as each word takes specific effort to be written rather than a key-board being hit quickly. When you're studying, remember, no texting and no Facebook! Try to shut off everything electronic. Peaceful music is pretty much the only exception. Undivided attention will allow your brain to absorb the information better than studying with distractions.
The night before an exam is always stressful and full of anxiety. Try sleeping for a full eight hours before taking your test. It allows your body to rejuvenate and be prepared for stress and concentration. Prepare far enough in advance that an all-nighter isn't necessary. Put yourself to bed, ignore your roommate, and sleep.
Finally, down to the wire, the hours building to the exam are crucial as well. Make sure any last questions are answered. An hour before your exam, drink a full bottle of water. Being hydrated helps your brain to focus. Make sure you use a bathroom before stepping into your classroom though!
Twenty minutes before the start of your test chew a piece of gum. It's energizing for your brain. Lastly, five minutes before putting that pencil to your paper, stop talking to class mates. Stop texting. Stop looking over your notes. Take a few deep breaths. Assure yourself that you're prepared for the exam. Relax for a few seconds.
These things - except for maybe the sleeping for eight hours - are simple, and hardly require extra effort. But they've been proved to work. Try them out. There's nothing to lose by chewing some gum or drinking some water.
The Archway's Clubs & Organizations Page
Be the first to comment on this story