Exam preparation

I don't know about you but my exams start in just over 2 weeks. Eek! In my first year of uni this REALLY stressed me out. My immune system would begin to lose the fight and I'd come down with all manner of strange illnesses. Some lovely examples include: heart palpitations, a blistered tongue (blerk!), and random viruses. Thankfully I didn't experience all of these illnesses at once!

As I've become more confident with sitting exams my stress levels have become more manageable and I no longer get so sick (fingers crossed). The good news for those starting out on this study journey is that it really does get better. If you feel really nervous this time then I'm here to tell you that with practice it should become easier. As long as you actually know your stuff! So, how do I get to know my stuff prior to exams? As usual, I've compiled a list.

1. Create a study plan. This is the MOST IMPORTANT thing you need to do. Check out this link to see the one I created a couple of weeks ago: How to catch up when you slip behind I've had to make a few modifications to it as I've found myself progressing through the tasks faster than anticipated (#FTW!) but I am confident it is guiding me safely and surely to my final destination of low stress exams!
2. If you still have aaages to go before your exams my advice to you is to definitely read your text book and listen to/attend all lectures and tutorials. We often seek out shortcuts whilst studying but selective learning is really risky! If you're aiming for a High Distinction you should read and attend as much as possible. If you're only aiming for a pass you might be able to get away with listening to your lectures, attending tutorials and flipping through your text but there's still no guarantee. I've had a mixture of exams with some favouring the textbook for questions and others more centered around the lectures. I personally don't like to take my chances and it depends on what you're aiming for long term. If I want to become a registered psychologist I need to score Distinctions or above so it's important for me to do well and not just pass.
3. Write notes. You may have been doing this all throughout semester but I don't! I wish I had the time but I just don't so this is something that I start doing once my assignments are out of the way. Notes are great because while you write them you are actively learning (read up on that) and of course they provide good prompts for bringing knowledge out from the dusty depths of your brain prior to exams. 
4. Re-read your lecture slides. I usually print my lecture slides out before I listen to my lecture so  I can write notes all over them. This information is really valuable come exam time. Even without my scribbled notes the slides are useful. They remind me of information that I learned in the lecture. 
5. If your lectures are posted online a good tactic is to listen to a select few before exams. I do this if there is a concept I don't quite understand. Sometimes if you listen a second time it all becomes suddenly clear.
6. Post on your discussion board, search Google or contact your lecturer if there is something you still can't understand. Google has helped me out a few times :-) but of course you need to be wary of what you read online. If you have a grumpy lecturer then I'd say that posting to your discussion board (if you have one) might be a more pleasant experience.
7. Some other tactics for memory retention include creating flashcards or mind maps. I have tried to use them in the past but find them too time consuming to create (even when I'm using an iPad app to make them) so I've given up on doing this. I've know of other people that swear by them.
8. Read your notes aloud to yourself. Some people are auditory learners and a tactic as basic as reading the notes aloud helps them to remember information.
9. If you have an oral exam then I suggest recording yourself delivering the speech. You can then play it back and pick up on any mistakes. I have a friend who memorised a speech by playing it to herself every day for a month as she went for a walk. Exercise + study. Seems a good combination to me! Don't forget that your smartphone probably has a recording feature, there's no need to go out and buy a dictaphone :-)
10. Attempt mock exams. This will give you some idea of what to expect, how much time to allocate to questions, and give you an indication of study areas that you need to refine. 

These are my top tips for 'knowing your stuff' at exam time. I hope you've found this list to be helpful. My next post will be warm and fuzzy with a discussion on some ways to chill out prior to exams.

Bye for now!