Tips for last minute studying

Studying for exams can be hard because of several reasons: Lack of motivation, work, being busy with other extracurricular activities etc. This might cause you to study last minute, which can be difficult and chaotic. Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your last minute studying, to maximize your efficiency to ensure a passing grade!

 

Plan accordingly

The first thing you can do to maximize your efficiency is to make a schedule, and keep yourself to it. Try to divide the study material into different sections and plan your study time accordingly. Give yourself an amount of time to finish each section, while keeping in mind the difficulty and importance of each section. Pick the most important topics and cover them first, using a checklist to keep track of what you’ve done and what’s left. This should help you organize the time you have and use it to its fullest extent.

Study area

Pick a good study area where you can focus solely on the studying. This will help you funnel all your attention towards the studying, instead of getting distracted. Try to take away all distractions by turning off your phone and making sure no one disturbs you while you’re studying. Make sure there is enough light and that there is a nice room temperature, so you can comfortably study for the allotted time. Stock up on some snacks so you don’t get too hungry and keep yourself hydrated!

Taking breaks

When you are studying last-minute, it’s easy to forget to take a break sometimes. Make sure to take breaks after a certain amount of time. This makes it easier to reset your brain after a while and let the information sink in a bit. It also helps by allowing you to concentrate better, since your concentration usually dwindles after a while of non-stop studying. Try to not think about studying or your exam during the breaks, clear your mind for a bit, maybe even take a short walk and come back refreshed to take on another bit of studying.

Mindset

Most people tend to start panicking during last minute studying, especially as the exam starts getting closer. This prevents you from taking in the information you’re studying and disorganized your workflow. Try to keep yourself  as calm as possible and keep a clear head. Stress is usually seen as a bad thing, but with the right mindset you can channel it as a motivator to achieve your goals. You can easily start doubting yourself, but using certain motivators can help a lot.

Reward yourself

As mentioned before, keeping yourself motivated is one of the hardest things about studying, especially when it’s last minute. One thing you can do to motivate yourself is to give yourself a reward after you’re done with a certain point on your checklist. This could be something simple like a chocolate bar, or maybe giving yourself some time to relax and watch a show. 

If any of you find yourself in a last minute studying situation, the most important thing is to stay calm! Don’t panic and use these tips to ensure that you make the most out of your remaining study time.