Engineers have to undergo this torture known as exams on a frequent basis. Now we are in no way implying that non-engineers don’t undergo tests as well, however, come on let’s face it; the real exam is what the engineers take. It is frustrating, mind boggling and nerve-wrecking to say the least. We have compiled a list of 10 hacks that you can use while preparing for your exam in a way that helps you score better grades and become a successful engineer eventually. (Disclaimer: We believe that grades have nothing to do with being a great engineer though.)
10. Walk Before Studying
Exercise can simply put; enhance your brain power and memory. Dr. Chuck Hillman from University of Illinois concluded after a research that 20 minutes of exercise before an exam can improve performance.
9. Speak Out Loud Instead of Simply Reading
First off, make sure you are not in a library. We are NOT responsible for you being thrown out of library. However, you’d be amazed at the results when you read out loud instead of just reading information.
8. Reward Yourself With A Treat
Set goals and reward yourself when you meet those goals. For example; if I complete this topic in 2 hours, I will get Gummy Bears (yumm).
7. Teach What You Have Learned
When you try teaching what you have learned, two things happen; first being that your mind believes that it has learnt the topic and secondly it boosts your confidence. At the end of the day; you have a better understanding of what you were trying to learn and feel more confident about it.
6. Draw Diagrams
Visualizing information would allow you to retain more information and it would be easier for you to recall it. The plus side being that you might be required to draw or label a diagram and this practice would help with that!
5. Times New Roman is the Fastest Font to Read
Yes, make your life easy and switch to this font when you’re preparing for exams. If the lectures (electronic ones) are in other font, you’d be doing yourself a favor when you switch to this font.
4. Use Apps to Block Distracting Sites
Technological advancements mean more distraction, right? Here’s how you can limit them. You will find a number of apps such as the SelfControl app that blocks certain websites for a given number of time. Thus helping you to focus on task at hand.
3. Search Google Like a Pro
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how you can search on Google efficiently without ending up wasting time.
2. Take Regular Study Breaks
Research has proven that taking a break from any task after working at it for 45-50 minutes is the way to go so that you remain motivated and focused about it. This short break gives the brain the time it needs to refresh and get ready for more information.
1. Practice, Practice, Practice.
Last but not least, practice is what makes anyone perfect. Create exam-like scenario and practice so much that responding to certain questions become your natural reflex. This will train your brain into retrieving information faster and more effectively.
Two bonus tips for you; don’t stay up all night before an exam (you can’t possibly do anything more wrong with yourself) and try to study in groups. Group study helps you understand better and most of the information is retained since you learned it while feeling good!