Operation: Cram For Exam

You are now mustering to pack all those concepts, principles, formulas and other forms of information into your mind in a short space of time to pass that test or exam. This is a classic case of cramming, but if this is what it winds down to you will have to take an appropriate strategy. It is so down to the wire that you can consider it an emergency operation in which you will have to execute as best as you can.

Objective of Operation: Pass That Exam!

Be realistic ~ Recognize the odds that are against you. The nature of the exam is a factor to how effective cramming will be. For instance, a mathematical subject will demand practicing problems, applying principles and using formulas. This usually takes a lot of time for most people. For a subject that demands more recall than application, then the odds are not as high. All this winds down to a question to ask yourself:

Do you think that you have enough time to cover enough to pass?

If your answer is at least MAYBE, then lets strategize!

• Gather ALL the study materials that you will use including Textbooks, Notebooks,Study Cards,Past Paper Questions, Stationary.
  
• Decide the best time that you can study ~ Maybe this isn't an option due to the limitation of time, but it may just be better for you to choose the time of day that is best for you to focus.
  
• Choose a suitable location that is well lit, peaceful where you will receive little or no disturbances.
• Grab a Study Partner ~ If you study well with other persons, consider studying with your friend who is taking the same exam. Two heads together isn't a bad idea.
  
• Put casual talk and activities on hold ~ Make sure to tell your significant other, friends, associates and other people in your circle that you are focusing on studying, and you will appreciate not to be disturbed unless it is truly necessary.
• Choose recall method(s) to that work best for you. A couple common techniques are speaking aloud and writing concise notes.
• Have light healthy snacks ~ Studying really takes a lot of brainpower especially with the intensity of cramming, so make sure to have healthy snacks that don't have a lot of sugar. Nuts and apples are good choices.
• Drink water and juices ~ Keep your body hydrated as you work. Even though your body is not in high physical activity, it is working hard. A little coffee (containing caffeine) is helpful as a stimulant, but too much isn't advised. Water and fruit and vegetable juices are healthy and refreshing to drink while you work.
• Avoid eating heavy meals ~ As delicious as that meal looks to you, it maybe a bit too heavy for you now. You may get too sleepy to effectively absorb that information that you need to. Put off such heavy meals until a time you know you are ready to take a nap.
• Take a break a few minutes in each hour, and stretch your muscles.
• Sleep! ~ Drilling yourself without sleep can be counterproductive. If you feel really tired, you can give yourself a chance to have a nap. In light of your mission, you may have to reduce the time in which you sleep. Set an alarm, or ask someone to wake you to continue your studying.

Keep positive and do all that you can - which is your best.