We all aim to score well in our tests and get praised by our teachers, peers, family, and other people around us. But the truth is, there is only one person in our class or organization that can receive this appreciation and warmth. This person truly deserves to be felt good about his/her marks as there must be something unique, he/she must have done to achieve this success. But the question arises, “How do I surpass the uniqueness that the topper has utilized to achieve excellent marks in a test?”
So, let us talk about some of the techniques we can use to prepare for the tests and attain higher marks.
First and foremost, start preparing for your test from the day you are given the instructions of the test date by organizing a study plan. Make sure to keep your notes up to the mark so that you don't miss out on any topic. Cut out all the distractions that make it difficult for you to concentrate on studying. Distractions majorly include social media such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, etc. Generally, I hand over my phone to my parents during my study time so that I can fully concentrate on my exam preparation. As they say, “Never do tomorrow that you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time!” Do not leave anything to learn until the last minute. This results in compelling you to cram things up that eventually get vanished from your mind while writing the test. Secondly, do not study just to get good marks. Instead, study with all your heart and interest so that you can store things in your mind for a longer period. I suggest making the whole day before your test planned out. This way, you can be organized and revise your material without wasting time thinking about what you should do next.
Do not skip reviewing easy stuff. Give equal importance to all the materials and then divide your time based on what you need to focus on more due to lack of understanding on that topic. Try out the method of self-testing by making flow-charts or flashcards, or retrieving the answers mentally or speaking them loudly to verify what you know and focus more on things that you don’t remember or are having a hard time remembering them. I generally study for 4 hours a day before any basic math or science exam as I just have to look over my notes and revise stuff. However, you must increase your study hours depending on how hard the exam will be and how much preparation you are left to do. This technique of studying before-handed and just revising a day before your exam can pave your way to success as it makes you confident and stress-free as you know the majority of your material while revising stuff and self-quizzing. After you are done with revising your notes, try solving practice exams online or buy practice books available in education stores. I prefer solving online practice exams as it helps in conserving time and energy of going all the way to education stores just to buy books when you already have an alternative to access them online. While studying, you must pay attention to making yourself calm and composed by taking regular breaks every few hours or minutes depending upon the subject of the exam. Do not disturb your eating schedule or sleep schedule as it can adversely affect your health. Also, make sure to get stationery items ready well in advance of the exam and arrange a ride to reach the test centre beforehand to avoid last-minute anxiety.
Never underestimate yourself and you can perform well in the exam. To quote Nelson Mandela, “It always seems impossible until it’s done!” Be confident and work towards achieving your goal. If you are successful in this, nothing and nobody can cease your win. I believe in studying smart than studying hard because there are many students who study the entire day without any proper technique and end up getting much lower marks than the students who study for less period of time but with appropriate planning and techniques. I follow all these techniques whenever I have my exams and they always emerge out helping me score well. I hope this can give you an insight into what you can do to become a topper in your exams, and you succeed in every exam you write. And even if you fail in becoming a topper, remember that one sheet of paper cannot decide your future. Michael Jordan once said, “I have failed again and again throughout my life. That’s why I’ve been successful.” You will get thousands of opportunities in your life ahead to prove yourself. So, just keep learning without expecting any result and you will succeed one day for sure. Wish you all the best for your exams!!
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Resources
The Most Effective Exam Preparation Strategy (n.d.). Retrieved September 20, 2020, from https://howtostudyincollege.com/blog/most-effective-exam-preparation/
Community (October 15, 2018). 30 Motivational quotes to study and get good grades. Retrieved September 29, 2020, from https://thriveglobal.com/stories/30-motivational-quotes-to-study-and-get-good-grades/