Many students dislike tests as much as homework assignments. In most cases, the dread and dislike for tests are greater. It’s mostly because tests follow strident processes than homework—mandatory reading and preparation, supervision, and test grades.
No matter how much you dread taking tests and exams, the reality is that it’ll go away. But, you need to pass them first. To pass an exam and test, you have to prepare for them actively. Every good test taker follows these tips for preparing and writing tests.
How to study the night before a test and pass
Since most students dread preparing for tests, they fall prey to last-minute preparations. If you’re wondering how to study for an exam or test in a night and pass, you’re in the right place. Here we have provided you with all relevant information on how to prepare in one night and still pass.
- Choose a comfortable study location: Choose any comfortable position to study the night before your test. It will be an intense study process, so all hands need to be on deck. For most students, their study desk is their favorite position. Your level of comfort will determine your level of focus during this time. But, be careful! Too much comfort can lead to sleep, and you don’t want that, do you?
- Take notes while studying: Records show that what most people read registers better when they put it down. So, if jotting down works for you, bring a notepad while reading.
- Get enough rest/sleep: If you don’t know, you won’t get enough reading if your body is weak. If you’re set out to read for exams at night, plan your day and squeeze in some sleep – a lot of it. When your body is well-rested, it becomes easier to study longer.
- Avoid any distraction: Squeezing in all exam preparation into the night before your exam isn’t the time for social media or chit-chats. Make sure that you eliminate every possible distraction; else, you’ll be able to do little.
- Eat healthy & light food: The food you eat affects your functionality during the test preparation. Avoid heavy foods during this time; they can weigh your body down. Eating heavy food and staying up late to study doesn’t work. There is a high chance of finding yourself sleeping through the night.
- Make a list of topics/outlines to cover: The night before your exam isn’t the time you’ll cover everything. Choose topic areas and outlines to pay more attention to. Instead of juggling everything and remembering nothing, break them down and select high-yield topics.
- Sleep early, wake up and refresh your memory: Although you’ll be staying up early to read, make sure you leave time to get enough sleep. Not sleeping early also has its effect—waking up late and missing exams. When you go to sleep early, you wake up early to revise your book one last time.
How to pass an exam successfully
If you’re thinking of how to pass a test or exam successfully, then the key to it is preparation. It’s impossible to take a proctored test without preparing. Lack of preparation affects your grade and school performance. So, to pass exams successfully, you’ll have to:
- Practice and regularly prepare for the exam
- Prepare with study groups
- Cover all relevant school works
- Read questions properly before answering
- Read the instructions before answering
- Cross-check your answers before submitting
How to become a better test taker
Not every student can be characterized as a good test taker. Some students only stand tests because it’s mandatory. But, even if you don’t like writing them, you can learn how to improve your chances of passing. Here’s how to become good at taking tests:
- Consistently prepare
- Read every relevant course material
- Read test directions and instructions
- Get settled before the test starts
- Plan how to use the allotted time effectively
How long should you study for a test?
The length of time it takes you to study for a test is dependent on two things: your understanding of the subject and how broad the subject is.
Some students start reading for tests at the beginning of the term. For others, studying starts a few weeks/days before the test. There’s no set time to start, but it’s best to start early. Why? You get enough time to cover every topic.
The only reliable test-taking tip is practice; there are no shortcuts to passing exams. So, as a student, always prioritize studying because it precedes success.
