Although preparation is the most obvious way to guarantee success in an exam, many students are left confused as to what’s actually required. That’s because exam preparation goes beyond just revision. Your body needs to be prepared, too.

Staying up all night in order to cram a mass of information into your head isn’t the key to excelling in an exam.

For one, you will be tired, and unless you have a highly retentive memory, the chances of remembering everything are minimal. So it’s imperative to stick to a regular sleeping routine and aim for seven to eight hours sleep every night; especially if you juggle work and studying.

It’s also important to eat healthy and eat a big breakfast on the day of an exam. This ensures you will have enough energy to get through the entire paper without losing concentration or feeling hungry and restless. Drink plenty of water so you’re hydrated, too.

It’s worth having a look at past exam papers to get a feel of what to expect and what style of questions are asked. It’s a good idea to know the format of your exam and what percentage the exam is worth in your final grade so you can prepare a revision timetable. Always take at least two past papers under the same condition as your final exam – this will help you gain great insight as to what you struggle with and will give you time to work on your weaker areas.

Being prepared and familiarising yourself with subject matter allows you to formulate an exam strategy for multiple choice, written essays and problem-solving exams. If there are specific pieces of information you will have to remember, try writing them on your mirror, your fridge or somewhere else a little unusual. The action of doing something a bit different triggers a different part of your memory and makes it more likely you’ll remember.

Different exams may require different strategies, but they all require you to be in top form, so look after both your mental and physical health.

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Posted by Kaplan Higher Education.