To successfully study for the test within one day, you need full concentration. Start fresh in the morning and prepare deftly, including choosing the location and materials. Avoid distractions when studying, take breaks, and remain hydrated. Make flashcards to remind yourself of what you learned.
While preparing at the last minute can be nerve-wracking and challenging, these steps should help you prepare. With a day to go for your test, you can still study and get something to help you do better.
The above-discussed points are just a highlight of how you can make this last day impact the test. Read on for a detailed guide on how to study within the short time you have.
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Step-to-Step Guide On Studying for A Test on a Day
For one reason or other, you may find yourself with little to no time to study for the test. In this case, you have to make this last day count and help you score better on the test.
However, to realize this dream, you need to utilize the time you have and learn as much as possible. The following sections are steps to follow to prepare and study:
1. Start Fresh in the Morning
One of the crucial factors when covering a lot in just a short time is to take advantage of every available hour of the day. So, wake up early on this day to get more preparation time and reading hours.
During the morning hours, the brain is usually fresh and more accommodating, which means a lot of the information will stick. Scientists suggest studying between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Another good time to study is 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
2. Prepare for the Study
To effectively study, you need all the study materials you’ll use for the test. Here are some of the study materials you should incorporate.
- Textbook
- Lecture notes
- Study guides
- Sample questions
- Paste exam papers
- Online resources
- Calculator
You can add any other materials that help you learn or concentrate better.
3. Choose an Ideal Working Location
With the study materials ready, the next thing is to pick an ideal location. The place must be quiet and have fewer distractions from natural things and people.
Most people prefer to go to the library as it’s usually quiet and you can get a friend or two to study with. If you prefer to involve a study partner, you can take this as an option. However, if you have a study room in your home, use it.
Read Also: Where to study better? Decides between your home and the library
4. Avoid Distractions
Once study materials and location are ready, remove all the distractions before you begin studying. Distractions can be from various things, like what we have highlighted below.
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- Phone notifications
- Phone call
- Noisy roommate or study partner
- Disorganized workspace
- Personal needs, including hunger, thirst, and worries or stress.
Switch off the phone to avoid distractions and organize the workspace, ensuring everything is within reach. Feed, hydrate, and visit the bathroom to prevent further distractions. Avoid a noisy study partner by choosing a new spot.
Another way to avoid distractions is by listening to some soft music, like jazz or classical music. According to a Neural Dynamic study from 2007, scientists found that classical music helps the brain understand new information better by improving concentration.
5. Create a Plan
Before you begin studying, create a plan involving the following things:
- List all the crucial points, especially what you want to learn. Refer to the past test papers to know the topics to expect questions from.
- Schedule the time you have for each topic or area you want to learn.
6. Use Various Study Techniques
A last-minute study is not like the usual study and involves following suitable study techniques. The following techniques are proven to work and should help you study better.
- Re-read your Notes: Go through the lecture notes you had taken throughout the term or year.
- Use Visual Learning: Use visual aid features, including charts and diagrams, which help you get a mental picture fast. Actually, research shows that the brain processes an image 60000 times faster compared to text.
- Focus on the Likely: Prioritize understanding of the most likely topics.
- Rewrite Information: Rewrite the information you learn to memorize it better.
- Say the Words (if possible): Avoid lip reading but instead say the words out loud. However, these depend on where you’re studying.
- Be a Teacher: Talk like you’re teaching these topics to other students. If you’re with a study partner, read the notes aloud to them.
- Create Flashcards: Make notecards with terms and definitions. Also, list down formulas to keep testing yourself throughout the day.
Check Also: Helpful Tricks Of How To Pass Exams Without Studying
7. Take Frequent Breaks
Taking frequent breaks is necessary when studying for so much in a day. This allows the brain to remain relaxed and doesn’t get overcrowded with information. A fifteen-minute break after a 45-minute study is ideal.
However, this is not the time to catch up with the social media posts you missed during the study time. Avoid all electronic devices during the break. Instead, engage in meaningful activities like what we’ve listed below.
- Exercise, like stretching or walking
- Deep breaths
- Meditation
- Brief socialization
- Hydrate
- Take a snack.
Final Words
Precisely, a day to study for the test should be enough if you wake early and prepare accordingly. Make flashcards that will help you remember terms and formulas throughout the day. More importantly, say the words like you’re teaching, which will help you understand better.
A study plan is also necessary and will help you cover many topics within the day. Throughout the study period, take frequent breaks of at least a quarter an hour to hydrate, snack, relax, or exercise. Failure to break usually causes a headache and you might not understand the topics well.
