Exams are a constant in high school life. They can be stressful, sure, but they’re also an opportunity to show what you know. The key to tackling any test is preparation—not just the last-minute cram kind, but real, thoughtful preparation that makes you stand out in class.
Before we begin, it’s good to remember that building solid study habits early on will make a big difference in how you approach an exam. If you’re still working on developing these habits, we covered them in our previous discussion here. By making these practices a regular routine, you’ll be well-prepared when test day rolls around. Think of it as a prerequisite!
Let’s dive into studying techniques, exam tips, and test anxiety strategies that can help you conquer your next exam.
Don’t Just Study, Understand
Studying isn’t about staring at your notes until your brain hurts. It’s about understanding the material to know what you’re learning. After class, take 5 minutes to summarize what you learned in your own words. Practice explaining this topic to someone else. You’ve perfected it if they get it. Your likelihood of remembering and possibly even enjoying the content increases with your level of engagement.
The Myth of the All-Nighter
We’ve all been tempted to stay up late for “one more chapter” or “just a few more equations,” but cramming is not your friend. Study sessions that are spaced out over days or weeks help your brain retain material better.
Spend even 10 minutes a day reviewing. If you’re feeling stuck, take a vacation and return with a new perspective. Additionally, sleep is really important. Cutting corners only makes things more difficult, but having a good sleep is like pressing “Save” on all of your hard work.
Research indicates that good sleep practices have been shown to lower the risk of depression and other mental health conditions, enhance academic performance, and strengthen memory.
Pack Your Bag, Calm Your Mind
The night before the test, lay out everything you’ll need. That’s your pencils, calculator, ID, or even your lucky charm (no judgment).
Why? Because when your anxieties are already running high, the last thing you need is to rush to find stuff in the morning. Set a bedtime alarm while you’re at it. Being alert during the test will be appreciated by your future self.
Feed Your Brain
Don’t skip breakfast on test day. Really. Coffee and energy drinks don’t qualify as breakfast because your brain needs fuel to function. Try this easy and healthy recipe:
- Eggs and whole-grain toast
- A smoothie with fruit and yogurt
- Oatmeal with nuts or seeds
Additionally, stay hydrated! If permitted by your school, bring a bottle of water. If you’re hungry or dehydrated, you can’t concentrate.
Show Up Early, Breathe Deep
Arriving late for class can ruin your entire mood. Even if you just want to sit quietly and get settled, try to come a few minutes early.
You are allowing yourself time to arrange, unwind, and prepare mentally for the test by arriving early. Making the most of your time in the test room, even if it’s only a few minutes, can help you feel more at ease, focused, and calm before the exam starts, especially in a high school setting.
Before the test starts, try this:
- Close your eyes for a moment.
- Inhale deeply through your nose, then exhale slowly through your mouth.
This simple breathing trick can calm your nerves and help you focus.
Be Optimistic
Mentality is just as important as information when taking tests. Saying “I’ve got this” instead of “I’m going to fail” sounds corny, but it works.
Before the test, do something small that brings you joy if you’re feeling particularly anxious. You may, for instance, stretch, listen to your favorite music, or visualize yourself answering questions with assurance.
Confidence doesn’t mean you’ll ace every question—it means you’re ready to try your best.
Learn to Let Go
Steer clear of the temptation to dwell on your shortcomings after the test. This may be easier said than done, but put this advice into practice and instead acknowledge your hard work. Every test is an opportunity to discover not only the subject matter but also your preferred method of working under pressure.
Exam Time!
You’ve done the hard work—studying, getting enough rest, and fueling up with a good breakfast. Now, it’s time to put all into action during the test. The secret? It’s not just what you know, but how you approach the test itself.
Pause and Tune In
Before you start writing or even answering questions, take a moment to pause whatever you’re doing and listen. Proctors usually share important advice regarding the test’s structure, time limits, or specific instructions you might overlook in your eagerness to start. Skipping this step can lead to avoidable mistakes or missed opportunities to gain easy points. Stay sharp and pay attention.
Preview the Whole Test
Think of your test as a journey. Skim through it first to get a sense of its layout and difficulty. Then, spot the section that will take the most time and identify questions you can breeze through quickly. Plan your pace to avoid a last-minute rush. A quick overview can help you feel in control and ready to tackle the test strategically.
Brain Dump Like a Pro
For tests that rely on memorized facts or formulas, start with a “brain dump.” Grab a scrap of paper (or the test margins) and jot down all the critical info swirling in your mind. This simple trick will help you feel less stressed and give a handy reference throughout the test. Think of it as clearing mental clutter so you can focus on the task at hand.
Knock Out the Easy Questions
When the timer starts, go straight for the questions you know cold. By building early momentum, you’ll gain confidence immediately and buy yourself extra time for tougher questions later.
Don’t get bogged down on tricky ones. Skip them for now and circle back later—it’s a power move that keeps you in control.
Return to the Hard Stuff
After answering the easy ones, return to the tougher questions with a fresh focus. Sometimes, the answer becomes clearer after working through the rest of the test. When faced with a head-scratcher, Try to eliminate answers and use logic to make an educated guess if needed. Remember, even partial answers can earn you points, so give it your best shot.
Check for Missed Questions
Finished already? Not so fast! Double-check the test for any sneaky, missed questions. Look at the back pages, under diagrams, or in small print. Some exams penalize unanswered questions, so if there’s no penalty for guessing, take a chance—something is always better than nothing.
Review Your Work
Use any remaining time to revisit your answers with fresh eyes. For math, check calculations. For essays, make sure you answered every part of the prompt. But don’t overthink it—this is about catching obvious mistakes, not second-guessing yourself into confusion.
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Our Thoughts
Test-taking is part knowledge, part strategy, and part mindset. As you find the rhythm that works for you, trust that your efforts will pay off. So, the next time you sit down with a test in front of you, keep these strategies in mind and let your preparation shine. You’ve got this!
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I focus 100% on studying?
Reduce the number of distractions first. Set up a neat, designated study area, turn off notifications, and keep your phone out of reach. Employ time-saving strategies such as the Pomodoro technique, which involves studying for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break. Hours of aimless studying are less effective than brief periods of intense concentration. While some people may prefer total silence, others may find that white noise or music without lyrics helps them focus. To keep on track, schedule your study objectives for every session. Drink plenty of water, stretch often, and treat yourself when you finish a task. It’s essential to study in the middle of the morning or early evening, when your brain is at its most attentive. Consistency is key: An hour of concentrated study time is worth more than five hours of work interspersed with distractions.
- Can I increase my IQ by studying?
Although studying by itself doesn’t raise IQ, it can enhance cognitive capabilities, problem-solving ability, and mental acuity—all of which are frequently linked to intelligence. Building neural connections through regular cognitive challenges—such as learning a language, solving puzzles, or mastering a new skill—effectively improves mental function. Studying improves memory retention, critical thinking, and situational analysis and adaptation—all characteristics of a high-functioning brain. Focus on things like reading widely, being mindful, and having thoughtful discussions if you want to see long-term progress. Prioritize leading a healthy lifestyle as well because sleep, diet, and exercise have a direct impact on cognitive function and brain health. Similar to a muscle, your brain operates better the more meaningful, regular challenges you give it. So while your IQ score might not change, your ability to learn, process, and apply knowledge will skyrocket.
- How can I get academically smarter?
Prioritize comprehension over memorization. Determine your preferred learning style first. Are you a kinesthetic, visual, or auditory learner? Adjust your study techniques appropriately. Since spaced repetition and active recall have been shown to improve retention, use them to reinforce your information. As critical thinking improves academic success, develop the habit of asking “why” and “how” questions rather than taking information at face value. To get fresh viewpoints, look for a variety of resources, including books, movies, and study groups. One of the best methods to cement information is to impart what you have learnt to others. Beyond the classroom, develop your cognitive abilities by solving puzzles, playing logic games, or learning new skills like writing or coding. Maintain organization by establishing objectives, monitoring your progress, and placing a high priority on your mental, physical, and sleep health.
- Which time is best for studying?
Your brain’s peak alertness determines the optimal time to study. According to research, learning is most successful from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and again from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Your brain is in “acquisition mode” during these times, which facilitates the assimilation and retention of new knowledge. For optimal efficiency, schedule your most difficult work during these periods, if at all possible. Since your body and mind may still be groggy from sleep, early mornings—4 to 7 am—are frequently the least productive for learning. Everybody has a distinct natural rhythm, though some people do best in the stillness of the morning or the late hours of the night. Keep an eye on your energy levels and try different things to see what suits you best. Regardless of timing, always ensure you’re well-rested and fueled with proper nutrition, as they significantly impact focus and retention.
