June is right around the corner, which means finals are coming up. If you’re anything like most students, you might be somewhere between mild panic, persistent procrastination, to full-on caffeine-fueled cramming. But here’s the thing: you don’t need to study 12 hours a day or pull all-nighters to ace your exams. So let’s talk about how to study smarter, not harder.
Make a Realistic Plan
Don’t wing it. Grab a calendar, planner, or even just a piece of paper (that you’ll keep) and map out the days until your finals. Write down the subjects you need to review and break down everything into chunks. A little bit each day goes a long way, and it’s way better than trying to relearn everything the night before.
The key is consistency. Even 30 minutes a day adds up fast. Be honest about how much time you actually have (don’t procrastinate) and build in buffer days to help with chaotic days.
Active > Passive Studying
Simply rereading your notes isn’t enough. Instead, try:
- Quizzing yourself or using online resources
- Teaching the concept to someone else
- Doing lots of practice questions
Active studying forces your brain to engage with the material you need to learn. You’ll notice where you’re strong and where you need more review. The more your brain has to work with the information, the better chances you’ll remember it.
The Pomodoro Technique
Study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break, and repeat. Keep your brain fresh and focused. The breaks are a perfect opportunity to stretch, grab a quick snack, or scroll for a few moments guilt-free. This might sound simple, but this technique can boost your productivity, especially when your attention span dips.
Stop Multitasking
Studying with a Netflix show running in the background or switching between five subjects is a fast track to not learning anything. Focus on one thing at a time. You’ll finish faster and retain more.
Prioritize Sleep
This might sound like what your parents say, but sleep is non-negotiable. All-nighters might get you through the next test, but they’ll mess you up for the rest of the week. Think of sleep as the final step in studying. Your brain can process and store all the information you’ve been working so hard to learn. Sleep helps you consolidate everything you studied; plus, you’ll feel better during the exam.
Breathe
Finals are important, but they’re not everything. You’re not a machine. You need breaks, sleep, snacks, and time to chill. Stress only makes it harder to think clearly, and pushing yourself too hard can backfire. Be kind to yourself, check in with how you’re feeling, and give yourself permission to pause. Your mental health matters just as much, if not more, as your grades. So go for a walk, listen to music, take a nap. Taking care of yourself is part of smart studying, too.
Studying smart is all about quality over quantity. With the right plan, a few solid techniques, and enough rest, you’ll walk into finals feeling confident and prepared. No all-nighters required. You got this, and summer is waiting for you just on the other side!
Sources:
- https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/8/18-1
- https://gsi.berkeley.edu/revision-without-tears-in-class-writing-with-the-pomodoro-technique/#:~:text=The%20first%20part%20of%20this,single%20specific%2C%20previously%20defined%20task.
- https://sleep.hms.harvard.edu/education-training/public-education/sleep-and-health-education-program/sleep-health-education-88
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-psychological-pundit/201912/active-learning-like-peas-not-preferred-but-better-for-you