Student Essentials: Revision and Exam Strategies (In One Hour series) - Softcover

Introduction

There are not many people who look forward to exams and revision but most accept that they are an important part of degree programmes. Some actually prefer exams to written assignments as once an exam is finished you can forget about it until results day, whereas with an essay or coursework, there always seems to be room for improvement. However, in order to achieve a top grade, you do need to plan your revision carefully so that you enter the exam hall feeling confident that you’ve prepared effectively.

Whether you’ll be taking your first exams at university, or you’re further along the path to your degree, you’ll benefit from thinking through the revision process and the day of the exam itself. The revision period does not solely consist of sitting in a library with books in front of you. It requires that you look after yourself, that you choose the best place to study and that you plan carefully. The same goes for the exams themselves. There are strategies that you can adopt to help to make the hours sitting at a desk writing go as smoothly as possible. So help yourself to get through your exams with the least stress by thinking ahead, planning ahead and reading ahead.

Starting your revision early is another key to success. Research has shown that the earlier you start, the more you’ll retain in your long-term memory. Although it can be tempting to spend the last day or two before an exam cramming, starting earlier will be much more beneficial. The best prepared students will be thinking about their exams long before the revision period starts and will have their notes in order and their files organised. But don't worry if that doesn't sound like you. The fact that you’re reading this book shows that you’re on the right track towards achieving a top grade.