AP and Regents exams are getting closer, and we, as students, tend to get really anxious about how we are going to do, worrying if we are going to pass them or not. There are several ways to prepare for one, and it can include:

Using active learning techniques

People might think that just reviewing your notes is going to fully prepare you for your exam, but they are completely wrong. Reviewing your notes is actually pretty useful, but it is not the only thing you should use as your study guide. Drawing visual connections between key points (mind mapping), explaining concepts you learned to a friend or a family member, and using flashcards can help you understand the things you studied more deeply, which helps you organize and remember complex topics more effectively.

Organizing your study space

Getting rid of all distractions can help you concentrate better when you are trying to understand a complex topic. There are a lot of times where I find myself scrolling through reels instead of studying. This happens because my study place is full of things that distract me while I’m trying to concentrate. Also, putting your phone somewhere far from your study place is essential. There are a lot of times where I get a bunch of notifications when I’m trying to finish my work, and THAT is what distracts me from being productive and successful when studying.

Starting early and planning strategically

Procrastination is a big thing that we, as teenagers, suffer with. It is difficult to not procrastinate, but the revisions you make give you a huge advantage for your exam preparations.

Simulating exam conditions

Practicing past exams is really good for you to prepare, but you should take it a step further and simulate like you are already taking your exam. Find a piece of paper, a quiet room, and set a timer for you to act like you are already taking your test. This will help you with your anxiety, and it’ll give you a better understanding of how you are going to perform on your real exam.

Taking smart breaks

Not putting too much pressure on yourself is essential. You also need some rest. Studying for 25 minutes followed by a 5 minute rest is a good method to study. Those 5 minute breaks can be used to hydrate, stretch, and take a mini walk to refresh your mind.

Using technology to your advantage

There are a variety of apps you can use to help you study: Quizlet, Forest App and Study Bunny. These apps don’t only help you to memorize but they also help you stay focused.

How to properly take notes

Taking notes helps you memorize and understand challenging topics. There are people that have excellent habits and study skills, but they are challenged by their little knowledge of how to take notes properly. There are different ways to take notes. Some of those ways are:

Cornell notes – This is useful when recording things during a lecture but can also be used to cut down on how much from your topic you are recording.

Mind map – This type of method allows you to connect images to different topics and shows you breakdowns for each subtopic.

Mind Map

• Outlines for each chapter – This type of method allows you to carefully run through your chosen topic and bre down ideas and key elements.

In addition, when taking notes and trying to memorize stuff, color theory helps a lot. Color theory is the study of how colors interact and have an effect on our emotions and perceptions. Each color evokes different emotions and can help you stay focused while creating an engaging learning environment. Blue, green, red and orange are the colors mostly used when studying because it puts you in a state of focus and concentration. (Blue boosters productivity, lowers stress and sharpens focus. Green cuts through the noise, keeping your eyes fresh and mind sharp, ready for a new topic. Red/orange helps the reader draw attention to important elements such as titles and key terms, which grows a feeling of comfort and warmth, decreasing anxiety and facilitating memorization and long hours of study.)

Studying for exams can be really tough, and procrastination does not help at all when trying to prepare for upcoming exams. However, there are several methods that can be used to your advantage that can help you ace your exams. Do not feel overwhelmed, remember, just plan ahead, and you’ll be fine!