You may not have a problem studying for just one exam, but feel completely overwhelmed when you have more than one on the same day or week. Without a doubt, taking multiple exams in a short time requires preparation. Before you start studying, create a program to follow. Once the schedules are established, you can focus on the methodology.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create a Study Program
Step 1. Refer to the official dates
For all courses the exam dates should be reported on the university website or in the secretariat. Mark the appeals of the courses you take in an agenda or diary. You should also write down how many credits the exams are worth. For example, you could write: Physics exam, June 20, 12 credits.
If you can't find the exam date, ask the teacher for information
Step 2. Sort the exams by importance
Consult your diary and find the day or week you need to take the most exams. Since they will likely give different credits, you should rank them by importance. For example, here is a possible list:
- Biology: 12 credits
- Computer Science: 6 credits
- English: 3 credits
Step 3. Consider the grade you want to take
Once you've ranked your exams by importance, decide whether to spend more time on the most important one. If the exams consist of a single test or if you have already achieved good grades in the other parts, this is usually the best strategy. If, on the other hand, you need to recover a low grade in one part of an exam, you can study more for that particular subject, in order to raise the final grade.
For example, if you got a bad grade in the literature portion of a foreign language exam, you could spend more time studying for the second part of that course
Step 4. Consider studying in the order of the exam dates
This is a good choice if rehearsals run over the course of a week. In this case, make sure you start studying at least a week or two before the exam. Your program may follow a pattern similar to this:
- Monday: Study for next Monday's biology test
- Wednesday: Study for next Wednesday's computer science assignment
- Thursday: Study for next Thursday's English test
Step 5. Devote specific time to study
Once you have decided how to approach the study, dedicate fixed times to the various subjects and write them in the diary. Try to be as specific as possible. For example, instead of writing "Studying Thursday", you can write "Studying for the biology exam on Tuesday from 1 to 1:30".
Creating a specific schedule will help you stay organized and not waste time
Method 2 of 3: Adopt a Good Study Method
Step 1. Consider your study style
Think carefully about your habits. Write a list of the areas you have the most difficulty with when studying for an exam. Make changes to fix the problems. For example, if you can't concentrate when studying, try reading in a completely quiet environment. If, on the other hand, you find that you get better results with background noise, put on some soft music.
Do what you can to improve your study habits before starting. This way, you will make the most of your time
Step 2. Please review the exam guides and directions thoroughly
If you have received specific advice or instructions from the professor, be sure to follow them when studying. This way you will know what to expect on the exam and won't waste time studying useless information.
Step 3. Study frequently and start early
Studying for many consecutive hours right before an exam is one of the worst strategies. You may remember information briefly, but if you have to prepare for more than one exam, you will end up getting confused or forgetting important information. Instead, try to concentrate for short sessions (about 45 minutes) and study often in the weeks leading up to sessions.
Short and frequent study sessions help you remember and review topics better, so that they can be imprinted on your mind for a long time
Step 4. Avoid going through the entire program on exam day
If you have prepared in time, you should be ready for rehearsals. But if you wait until the last minute, you will not be able to learn the material and will only cause anxiety. Try to relax on the day of the exam so that you remember the information you need.
To relax before the exam, make sure you have a healthy meal and get a good night's sleep. This will make it easier for you to pay attention to the task and not just how you feel
Step 5. Break up the study sessions
You may find that it is easier to study many small sections instead of the whole program in one go. This way you will be able to keep interest and concentration high. You are also less likely to feel overwhelmed and stop studying.
For example, if you are studying for a foreign language exam, you can separate the study sessions into writing, reading and speaking the language
Step 6. Consider studying in a different location
Research has shown that always studying in the same place does not help to remember information in the long run. Instead, test yourself by changing your location. While it is not necessary to read each subject in a different place, you should choose a new place every day. This can help you remember topics on exam day.
Likewise, if you always need complete silence to study, try joining a study group that meets in a noisier place. For example, join a group that studies at the bar or in the common areas. This can help you focus and remember information in less than ideal situations
Step 7. Try studying with your classmates
It can be helpful to surround yourself with people who have to take the same exams as you. Ask them questions about confusing topics and challenge each other to gauge your readiness. If you missed a class, ask a classmate if they can lend you notes so you can stay even. Don't be afraid to explain a complex concept to another person; teaching someone a topic will help you understand it better before the exam.
Method 3 of 3: Manage Multiple Exams
Step 1. Don't get confused
You may feel like you have to remember too many things and start to get confused. This is a sign that you should take a break from studying. To avoid this risk, avoid studying for one exam right before another.
For example, don't study for the medieval history exam that worries you right before the one on Renaissance art. You may be confusing the information in the two courses and not remembering what you need
Step 2. Focus on one exam at a time
It's easy to feel overwhelmed by multiple tests. Remember that once you have finished the first one, you will only have to take care of the others. If the exams are on different days, just think about the closest one. This way you will be able to give everyone the right attention.
If you have two exams on the same day, try to include some free time in your schedule. Focus on the first exam, take a break, then finish the other
Step 3. Switch subjects as you study
If you have two or three exams to prepare, you may think you can't afford breaks. Treat the change of subject as a pause. For example, you can study physics for 45 minutes, then switch to algebra for 30 minutes. This allows you to shift your focus and study more efficiently.
To make the most of your mental breaks, alternate studying a difficult subject with a simpler one for you
Step 4. Consider skipping an exam
If you have two or three exams on the same day, talk to one of your professors and ask if you can postpone the date. Some may decide to help you and arrange a meeting for another day.
