10 effective study tips For exams

When it comes to study tips for exams there is a lot to think about. Whether it’s Leaving Cert or Junior Cert study tips for exams, making sure you have a good plan from the start will make a big difference when sitting your exams and getting the final result you want. If you’re on a study journey to get your maximum points starting with these 10 effective study tips is the best place to start.

Here at Breakthrough Maths, we’re going to list 10 effective study tips that have worked well with our top students. What’s the point in a study tip if it doesn’t even work? Well, these have been successfully put to the test, so let’s find out!

1. Create a study plan

It is crucial to make a study plan. If you are feeling overwhelmed with the whole idea of studying, it is the best place to start. The best way is to get a calendar and work out the time you have to prepare until your exams begin. That way you can see a visual timeline of your study plan and work out what you can study each day, week and month. 

Check out our study plan templates here!

2. Set a study time goal

Sometimes students like to study for 2 hours at one time and others 40 minutes. Every student is different. We find that students work best within timeframes of 40-55 minutes as that’s how long a class in school would last. Students work better and have more focus when they set themselves a time goal. Also, as you set those time goals and accomplish them students feel like they are getting work done and ticking work off their study plan.  

3. Start early

It’s important to note that everyone works at all different hours of the day. Some are early birds and others are night owls. As school has a structured timetable it is helpful to continue working in that structure because students are already used to it. So we recommend that you start studying close to the time school starts at 9am because that’s when you have the most energy and focus during the day. 

4. Break it down by topic

Subjects are easier to understand and study in chunks. For example with Maths, if a student wants to study Trigonometry which is a big chapter, set a goal to have it studied in 2 weeks. On week 1 start with answering questions from sections from the chapter in the book and for week 2 look at exam papers. This is the best way to study the book content and also practice exam style questions.

5. Use exam papers

Using exam papers is the best way to know if a student knows a topic well or not. As mentioned in the previous point, use them towards the end of studying a topic. They will tell you exactly what you know, what you don’t know and what you need to improve on. By using exam papers you become more familiar with the exam format and style and be more prepared to answer anything on exam day! 

6. Remove tempting distractions

Make sure you study in a spot that is quiet and away from loud noises. Another factor is the internet which is a necessary study tool nowadays. With all the apps and websites instantly available to use, sometimes students find it hard to fully concentrate on their study. Depending if you use a phone, tablet or computer to use the internet here are a few tips to try.

• Put your phone behind you away from your desk and put it on silent.
• Try the study app Forest, allowing you to stay focused and present during study.
• Have only necessary tabs open that will help you study. For example, if you don’t use Youtube to study, don’t have it open.

7. Take breaks

Taking breaks is important while studying. It gives you a chance to regain your focus for the next study session. Going outside for 10 minutes and getting a bit of fresh air can help with clearing your mind. Even talking to friends or family can give you a boost of energy to jump back into your study again. As the day moves into the evening students have less energy and focus so that time can be used to take a break and totally relax from study.

8. Hydrate

Having a bottle or a glass of water next to you during your study is important. It can be easy to forget to drink it as you focus on your study but if you start to read a page or an article think of picking up your water and sip away. Another way to remember to keep your water topped up is during your breaks. Bring your water with you to the kitchen and fill it up. Not only is it important to drink water during study but throughout the day and during school. 

9. Eat well

Feeding your body with the right fuel will increase the amount of energy your body has and will help to keep your focus and performance last for longer. This is extremely important as students use up so much energy when studying. They need the right food to then replenish their energy levels for the rest of the day and week.

10. Exercise – during the week

Exercise, although can be tiring, allows students to take breaks from school work and study and gives them the energy to continue studying effectively during the whole exam year. Exercising keeps our minds and bodies sharp and focused which is what we need to be when sitting exams. Not only do exams mentally drain us but they physically drain us too so our bodies need to be looked after as well. 

Give these study tips a go and let us know by messaging us on our social media if any of them work for you. Best of luck with your study journey! 😉
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