Study smarter, not harder: Must-have strategies for better exam prep
Passing exams isn’t always about the hours you spend studying, it’s about working smarter and using proven techniques. By tweaking your study habits and using smart strategies, you can achieve more success with less stress. Here, we explain more…
The date is marked on your calendar. Every day, it looms closer.
The stress is starting to build. The notes are piling up on your desk. The textbooks are closing in on you. You’re not sure when you last showered. And then suddenly, you can’t take it anymore.
You’ve reached full capacity. You’re burnt out.
This doesn't have to be your story.
Yes, exam prep is often stressful and time consuming. But it doesn’t have to take over your entire life or, more importantly, harm your health.
The key to success is to study smarter, not harder.
Here are some strategies to make preparing for your exams more manageable:
#1 Master time management
Start by creating a detailed schedule outlining what you’re going to study and for how long. Don’t just include study sessions. Make sure to add other commitments and activities you have during the week – as well as breaks.
Walter Buchanan, CFA, Co-founder of SaveNest, said: "I would advise having a plan and making room in your plan to rest and to see your friends and family. Because if you rest your mind, this will enable you to perform better."
Use a physical planner or print out your schedule. If you can easily see it, you’re more likely to stick to it.
In a similar vein, create daily or weekly to-do lists outlining study tasks and goals. Check off items as you complete them. Research by professors at North Carolina State University found that while tasks we haven't done distract us and cause anxiety, the simple process of making a plan can reduce our anxiety.
#2 Use study tools and techniques
Explore and experiment with different study tools and techniques to find what works best for you.
Active learning strategies are typically more effective for exam preparation, as they require digging deeper into study material and actively engaging with it. Some common examples of active learning include:
- Group discussions
- Peer-to-peer teaching
- Verbalizing concepts out loud
- Applying knowledge to real life examples
- Mind maps
Passive learning, on the other hand, involves memorizing facts, definitions and formulas, note taking and highlighting, and re-reading material.
For many students, a combination of both active and passive learning strategies is often most effective for exam study.
There are also various digital tools and apps to help with exam preparation. Productivity tools such as Evernote and OneNote let you create and organize notes, to-do lists and study plans. Pomodoro timer apps are useful if you need help with time management.
#3 Optimize your study environment
It may sound obvious but your surroundings have a real impact on your ability to focus and concentrate.
Make sure you have a dedicated study space and think carefully about your set up and what you have around you.
Ergonomics - the study of designing environments and products to align with human physiology and psychology - plays a crucial role in optimizing productivity during study sessions.
Here are some ergonomic factors to consider:
- Seating - use a comfortable seat with good back support to help you avoid slouching.
- Desk height - your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle when writing/typing.
- Monitor - your monitor or screen should be at eye level to prevent neck damage.
- Lighting - natural light is best but also use artificial lighting to minimize screen glare.
#4 Maintain a balanced lifestyle
Finally, avoid the trap of working every hour of every day. Quality often outweighs quantity when preparing for exams.
It’s crucial to prioritize your physical and mental well-being.
"Fitness is a huge part of me. I would go for a good workout, a cardio session or even a weight lifting workout, and study after that. Building this simple regimen helps me to stay really focused on the end goal,” said Rena Kwok, CFA, Fixed Income Research at Bloomberg.
Physical exercise has been shown to improve memory and boost concentration as well as reduce stress and anxiety, while mindfulness and breathing techniques help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Keep your eye on the prize
There’s no doubt about it: if you want to pass your exams, it takes hard work and commitment. But being clever and strategic about how you study can make all the difference to your success and stress levels.
Plus, it always helps to keep your eye firmly on the prize just like Urmi Hossain, CFA, who now works as an investment associate, did when studying for her CFA charter.
“I used to create a lot of vision boards and one of the boards had the CFA logo on it. So every time I was upset, I would always go back to this, my main motivation, my why and that's how I would basically go back on track and keep my enthusiasm," she said.
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