Everyone is stressed-out at exam time. Some study patterns just make things worse. While there is no guarantee for an easy time on exams there are some specific guidelines that you can follow which will make things easier. You aren't the only one: almost everyone gets somewhat anxious at exam time.
Don't put added stress on yourself by:
keeping irregular hours.
pulling all-nighters.
eating irregularly or eating junk food.
studying randomly without planning ahead.
Guidelines:
1) Try to stay on a reasonably regular schedule of reviewing, eating, sleeping, and relaxing. Start at least a week, or preferably two weeks before exams begin.
2) Don't attempt to study 24 hours a day; your efficiency and capacity to retain material will rapidly decrease.
3) Be conservative and reasonable about the demands you place on yourself. Plan ahead.
4) Don't force yourself to study beyond your normal limits of concentration. If you find yourself able to concentrate for only ten or twenty minutes, study for only that period of time and then take a short break. Your concentration should return. In fact, short and regular study periods are more productive than lengthy single sessions.
5) Eat a well-balanced diet and drink lots of fluids. Excessive amounts of coffee may produce confusion and even disorganization of thought processes. It also ruins your sleep.
6) Don't use drugs or alcohol to excess-this can decrease your ability to think clearly.
7) If you have a problem you believe will interfere with taking your exams be sure to notify the professor, the Dean of students office, a counselor or the Health Center before you take your exam.
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