subject: Tips And Tricks To Do Better On Your Exams [print this page] Another semester is beginning, and before you know it, there will be some major exams in your schedule. If you're anything like me, you might have difficulty getting over the jitters that come with test-taking, which also phases your ability to focus and recall important information.
But we all want to succeed, and many professors base grading heavily on the examinations they administer. So is there some secret out there for successful test-taking? Actually, there are a few. Allow me to let you in on them.
Recent research shows that a small amount of caffeine increases positive performance in college students. But notice that I said small! Don't go into a test after chugging a cup of coffee, strong tea, or energy drink, as this will likely give you the jitters instead.
What I prefer to do is choose a sugar-free or fruit juice-based energy drink and "nurse" about half of it (or less) an hour before the exam. Don't forget that caffeine is a diuretic, so if you have too much too soon, you will have to duck out of your test for a little break, which may not boost your end results the way you hope it will.
Other studies conducted in Europe and at home have indicated that chewing gum while sitting an exam boosts scores as well. Do we know why? Not precisely, but the correlation is encouraging. Make sure to keep a pack in your pocket or your purse before you begin.
Other than those little "tricks," the best thing you can do for yourself (aside from studying hard) is take good care of your body--not just the day before and day of the test, but in the weeks leading up to it.
Make sure that you are getting enough sleep each night so that you can be at the top of your game during every lecture so that you can take accurate notes and remember the material. Take a multivitamin to safeguard your immune system--after all, one of the worst things you can face in college is being seriously ill while trying to achieve a high score on an exam.
It's also a wise idea to investigate brain supplements to boost memory and concentration. I know I did, especially because having serious focus has been one of the biggest problems I have dealt with over the years.
Try to relax as best you can. Whether that's by doing a yoga session beforehand or practicing deep breathing techniques before you pick up your pencil, relaxation is vital to keeping you on task and not freezing up.
