How To Cram For A Test: A Simple Guide To Nail Your Exams

Have you ever wondered how to crahow to cram for a testm for a test right? Let’s face it – tests and exams are tough. Not only it takes plenty of time and effort to prepare, but tests also often tend to come as a package deal with anxiety. Studying for an exam is always stressful. Numerous studies and surveys prove that test anxiety has a negative impact on students’ performance. But, you can lower the anxiety levels and get higher chances to nail a test if you know to get ready for it right even in the shortest time.

If you have ever wondered what to do if a test is just around the corner, this article will be your step-by-step guide. Keep on reading to learn how to make your last-minute cramming truly effective!

Cramming For A Test: 7 Things To Do During The Night Before A Test

Needless to say that the earlier you start preparing, the better. Cramming at the last minute is the last resort. But, sometimes, it may be the only option you have and, in this case, it is vital to know how to do things right.

So, if you are wondering how to study for a test the night before, the good news is that it is not only possible but can actually be quite effective. Here are the top seven steps you need to take to succeed:

Have A Plan

First things first, to make your cramming session effective, you must plan it thoroughly. In the evening before an exam, students often feel the most pressure. In a panic, many make the same mistake – they start chaotically reviewing the studied material and… fail.

The first thing to remember is that studying requires consistency. Instead of hopping from one topic to another, make a plan and tackle all your topics one by one. Such an organized approach does make a difference.

Collect All Your Materials

The next thing to take care of is gathering all the materials that can come in handy during your session. These should include textbooks, notebooks, video lectures, and, of course, the notes you were taking in class.

Get Rid Of Distractions

Once you have a plan for your session and you are ready to jump right in, make sure you get rid of all possible distractions. That is, find a quiet and comfy place to study, turn off your phone, ensure your desk is clean, and remove all distracting things out of your reach. The lesser distractions there will be around you, the faster and easier you will study.

Begin With Your Notes

If you ask us how to cram for a test, we would say – rely on the notes you have. Notes are excellent for last-minute studying for a test. They are typically short, well-organized, and contain only the core concepts and facts. So, begin your session by reviewing your notes topic by topic.

Refer To Books

Though notes are great, they may not have all the information you need. So, whenever you feel like there is a gap, go ahead and check the same topic in the book.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks may not be the most obvious answer to the question: how to study for a test in one day, but it’s important. Many students undervalue the importance of breaks and this is in vain. Studies confirm that taking breaks during study sessions every one or one-and-a-half hour helps your brain to stay more focused and generally retain the information much better.

Also, it has been proven that learning too much at once can actually harm you, making your brain too overwhelmed. Thus, be sure to take regular breaks during your cramming session.

Pro tip: Use each break to distract and unwind. Then, when you get back with a fresh mind, try to recall what you’ve learned so far and assess how well you’ve assimilated the material. This will give you a sense of gaps you still need to make up for.

Prepare For The Day “X”

If you ask us how to cram for finals over the night, we would say don’t. We recommend using the night before a test only for a light run-through of the key information. Studying an all-nighter can do more harm than good. That’s why, after you review your notes and go through the main topics, set it aside for the next day.

Instead of pushing yourself to the limit and skipping on sleep, use the rest of the time you have to prepare for tomorrow. Here are the key steps you need to take to prepare well:

• Make sure you pack everything you need in the evening. This will save you lots of time in the morning and will prevent rush or forgetting something.
• Eat some good meals. It is vital that you give your brain the right nutrients the night before a test, as this way it will fuel up and function better the next day.
• Set an alarm. Students often tend to oversleep on days of important tests, which only has a negative impact on their performance. We recommend setting an alarm in advance. This way you will avoid oversleeping and will give yourself enough time to have a good breakfast to power up your brain.
• Go for a walk outside or exercise. As we already said, tests are pretty stressful. To reduce stress and do well, we recommend getting some exercise or at least go for a walk the night before. It is proven that any cardiovascular activity reduces stress and anxiety.
• Get a night of good sleep. If you are wondering how to study well for exams without forgetting, you should know that nothing is as important the night before a test than getting high-quality sleep. It will help you recharge, reduce tension, and memorize the material better.

Best Way To Cram For A Test: A Step-By-Step Guide For The Day “X”

So, you have studied the evening before the test. Now, it may seem like all you have left to do is to go to the exam room and nail it. But, if you really want to know how to cram effectively, you should know that the day of a test is another opportunity for you to prepare. And this time should not be wasted in vain.

So, what’s your plan on the test day? Here is a step-by-step guide for your day “X”:

Don’t Skip Breakfast

We already said how important it is to nurture your brain right during the evening before a test. The same goes for the morning before a test. You should have a good, nutritious breakfast that will give your brain enough energy to function well throughout the day.

Give preference to foods rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Also, you may want to include some foods that are known to boost brain function, such as:

• Nuts
• Salmon
• Green tea
• Avocado
• Blueberries
• Dark chocolate, etc.

Have Another Study Session

To make the most of your cramming for finals, be sure to schedule another schedule for a morning or day before a test. Use this time to review your notes once again. It is also a good idea to test your knowledge to see how well you can do.

Pro tip: Of course, it is great if you have plenty of time to study during the day of a test. But, even if yours is scheduled for the morning, do not despair. Use the time you spend to get to the college to study.

Identify Your Gaps

During your morning study session, it should be clear what gaps and weak points you still have. Devote time before a test to fill those gaps. Use different memorizing techniques to remember the information better.

Come Earlier

The last tip is to come to your test room earlier, at least 5-10 minutes before it starts. This will eliminate unnecessary rush and will give you another few minutes to review the notes once more.

Study Better With The Best Online Tutors

Preparing for a test is never an easy matter. But, if you know how to cram for a test efficiently, your chances to succeed will be much higher. Hopefully, this guide helped you understand better how does cramming work and learn how to study for exams and get the most benefits of it.

But, what if you still need extra help to nail your test and study better? That’s what we are here for! At our service, students can not only find tons of handy tips and hacks for studying but also can opt for the help of professional tutors. We can help you take your skills and knowledge to an entirely new level. So, don’t hesitate – get help from the best tutors and boost your academic success!