Eight study tips to help students prepare for exams

Assignments, projects, tests and final examinations can leave higher education students managing several deadlines at once.

A realistic plan and consistent preparation can make the workload feel more manageable and reduce the temptation to rely on last-minute cramming.

Pertunia Nkomo-Mofokeng, Deputy Dean: Teaching and Learning at Rosebank International, says the amount of time spent studying immediately before an assessment does not determine exam success.

“It is achieved through consistent effort, effective study techniques and a balanced approach to learning throughout the examination period,” Nkomo-Mofokeng says.

“Students who plan ahead and engage actively with their learning material place themselves in a much stronger position to succeed.”

Here are eight practical ways students can prepare for the examination period.

1. Create a realistic study plan

Divide your workload into manageable sections and allocate time to each module.

Give additional attention to subjects or topics you find difficult and set achievable daily goals. A structured timetable can help you monitor your progress and feel more in control of the workload.

Remember to leave some flexibility in the schedule. An overly ambitious plan can become discouraging when unexpected assignments, responsibilities or interruptions arise.

2. Focus on understanding

Higher education assessments often require students to analyse information, evaluate arguments and apply knowledge rather than simply recall facts.

Instead of memorising notes word for word, identify the main concepts and consider how they relate to one another. Ask yourself how a theory, framework or principle could be applied to a practical situation.

If you can explain a concept clearly and use it in an example, you are more likely to understand it well enough to apply it in an assessment.

3. Study actively

Repeatedly reading notes can create a sense of familiarity without showing whether you can recall or apply the information.

Use active learning techniques such as:

• summarising concepts in your own words;
• creating mind maps;
• using flashcards;
• explaining a concept to a friend or study partner; and
• testing yourself with practice questions.

These techniques require you to retrieve and work with information, helping you identify gaps in your understanding.

4. Practise with past papers

Past examination papers and mock assessments can help you become familiar with question formats, identify areas that require more revision and improve your time management.

Where possible, complete a practice assessment under timed conditions. Afterwards, review your answers and note which questions took too long or revealed gaps in your knowledge.

Do not use past papers only to predict likely questions. Use them to practise interpreting instructions and structuring complete answers.

5. Break large tasks into smaller goals

An entire semester’s work can feel overwhelming when viewed as one large task.

Break each study session into a specific objective, such as revising one chapter, reviewing a single topic or completing a set of practice questions.

Smaller goals make it easier to begin studying, track progress and build momentum.

6. Look after your wellbeing

Concentration and memory are affected by your physical and mental wellbeing.

During the examination period:

• get sufficient sleep;
• drink enough water;
• eat balanced meals;
• take regular breaks; and
• include some physical activity in your routine.

Long, uninterrupted study sessions are not always productive. Short breaks can help you return to your work with better concentration.

If exam pressure becomes difficult to manage, seek support from someone you trust or use the counselling and student-support services available at your institution.

7. Reduce distractions

Choose a study environment that allows you to concentrate. Put your phone on silent or out of reach, close unnecessary browser tabs and limit social-media use during study sessions.

Set a clear period for focused work followed by a short break. Even relatively short periods of uninterrupted study can be more productive than several hours of distracted work.

8. Prepare for exam day

Check the examination date, starting time, venue and requirements in advance.

Gather any identification, stationery or permitted materials you need the night before. If the assessment is online, check your device, internet connection, login details and submission instructions.

Aim to arrive or log in early. During the examination, read each question carefully, allocate your time and work through the paper one step at a time.

“Examinations are an opportunity for students to demonstrate what they have learnt and how they can apply that knowledge,” Nkomo-Mofokeng says.

“By approaching exams with preparation, confidence and a positive mindset, students can maximise their potential and achieve their academic goals.”

The planning, time-management and problem-solving habits developed during examinations can continue to benefit students in the workplace and other areas of their lives.