Exam Study Tips
By Luca Parlatore ‘28, Resident Editor; Edited by Safiya Ahmed ‘27, Editor-in-Chief
Grades 9-11 exam season is here! Whether you’re completely overwhelmed or barely thinking about it, finding the right balance is key. These study tips will let you walk into every exam feeling confident and prepared.
Cut out distractions
Although you may hear this time and time again from your teachers, it is a genuine solution to distraction. It may be hard, but putting your phone in another room or turning on do not disturb will ensure that nothing can disrupt your flow. If you find this challenging, apps like Study Bunny or Focus Tree can help you stay off your phone, and reward you for study sessions. Remember: thirty minutes of uninterrupted studying is more effective than two hours of distracted studying!
Take breaks
Many people believe longer study sessions equate to better results, however, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. It seems productive, but your brain will start to zone out after a while. I recommend the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of focused studying, followed by a 5-minute break. After four sessions, take a longer 15–30-minute break. During your breaks, do not look at your phone. Oftentimes, people look at their phone for “five minutes only”, but then they lose track of time and those five minutes turn into two hours. Use your breaks to stretch, walk around, have a snack, or practice deep breathing. All of these will improve your focus and study effectiveness.
Prioritize your wellbeing
Studying hard doesn’t mean ignoring your body’s needs. Sleep, food, and water should all take priority, as your brain needs all three to function. Following these steps will optimize your study conditions:
- Get between 7-8 hours of sleep
- Eat balanced, nutritious meals with carbohydrates and proteins
- Stay hydrated based on your body’s needs
These all sound simple, but under exam stress, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself or prioritize your studying.
Try out these tips and see what works for you. You don’t need to be perfect, just consistent. Good luck and happy studying!
