Ace the Race

Scoring well in your exams is one of our key objectives during our college life.

You know why it is important, now let's find out how to get it!

Coming fresh from school, it can be hard to manage studies at first. The main reason is the difference in the teaching and learning process.

In school, teachers often emphasised the importance of doing well and willingly assisted us in our studies.

In college, however, it is your responsibility to recognise your weaknesses and reach out to the professors.

Acing your exams requires a balance of both smart and hard work. With numerous subjects and tasks to tackle, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Read on to discover effective strategies for exam preparation that will make the process less challenging and more rewarding!

The three "Self(s)"

1) Self Awareness

Awareness is the first step toward improvement. It's common not to fully grasp every topic or concept well enough to excel in presentations and exams.

Identify the areas in your syllabus where you need more clarity and reach out to your faculty for guidance.

They can often point you in the right direction, which, combined with the resources available, is usually sufficient. If not, don’t hesitate to follow up with further questions or seek help elsewhere.

2) Self Study

You’ve likely already heard about the importance of self-study at this level. The time spent in classrooms grasping concepts is just a small part of your overall preparation.

The hours you dedicate to studying outside the classroom have a major impact.

While many may do the bare minimum to just get by, standing out requires extra effort - most of which happens away from the eyes of others.

3) Self Control

It is one of the most essential qualities a person can possess. As a student, it can significantly enhance your academic performance by keeping you focused on what truly matters and helping you avoid distractions.

In previous editions of #tsp, we have discussed the various opportunities that arise in college. However, it's crucial not to let these opportunities derail you from your path.

It's not just about choosing which opportunities to pursue, but also about deciding when to pursue them.

The three "P(s)"

1) Plan

When searching for solutions, it is important to understand what and how big the problem is, so try to go through the syllabus of various courses as soon as they become accessible.

Let it guide you on what to do next, while keeping track of your progress.

A single plan may not work for every subject, so you must adjust your approach based on the different requirements.

2) Procure

The best way to prepare for your exams is to have a mix of :

• Old methods (tried and tested)

- Taking tips on exam writing and relevant resources from seniors.

- Gathering and solving previous year's question papers.

• New methods (updated and innovative)

- Preparing fresh notes in class and expanding on them in post-class study sessions.

- Effectively using newly available tools and resources to aid your preparation.

3) Perform

Once you know what to do and have the necessary resources, the next step is to just get to work!

Procrastination can creep in on you and to prevent it from affecting your performance, you must prepare a structured study plan.

The more progress you make, the more confident you will get.

The thought of doing something is more difficult than actually doing it, so just get started!

If you want to know more about how to overcome procrastination, check out these tips!

Along with exams, comes stress. It is inevitable and you must find a way to manage it. Stay tuned for the next edition of "The Student Playbook" to find out how!

With proper organisation and revision, you'll be able to think more clearly and recall important information, ensuring you're well-prepared for exam day.

Focus on answering each question with the highest quality and within the required quantity, as per the marks.

Ensure you complete all your questions on time and, if possible, review your answers for any improvements before submitting your paper.

Practice these strategies to manage exam pressure like a pro!

I hope you find this helpful. If it inspires you to think or act differently, share your experience in the comments below or reach out to me personally!

If you want to share your thoughts on this edition of "The Student Playbook" with your LinkedIn network, use the hashtag #tsp.

Check out the previous editions below and subscribe for more!

At a glance :

• Understand the transition : College requires self-reliance and proactive seeking of help, unlike the close guidance in school.
• Work smart and hard : Effective exam preparation combines strategic planning with diligent effort to manage multiple subjects and tasks.
• Embrace the three “Self(s)” :

1) Self Awareness - Identify and address gaps in your understanding by seeking faculty guidance.

2) Self Study - Invest time in self-study outside of class to enhance your performance.

3) Self Control - Stay focused and manage opportunities wisely to avoid distractions.

• Follow the three “P(s)”:

1) Plan - Use course syllabi early to guide and track your study progress, adapting strategies for different subjects.

2) Procure - Blend traditional methods with innovative tools for effective exam preparation.

3) Perform - Create a structured study plan to avoid procrastination and build confidence.

• Exam day : With thorough preparation, think clearly, answer questions with quality, and review your work to handle exam pressure effectively.

About the writer

Hello again, I am Anooraag Basu, a budding Bioinformatics professional, and a future industry leader. I am passionate about sharing my experiences and adding value to the lives of students and professionals.

I hope you enjoyed this edition of "The Student Playbook". Subscribe to receive the next edition at the earliest!

I am excited to bring you more of such enlightening and engaging content, and I would be glad to have you along on this journey.

Let's connect!