Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 4: How to Schedule Your Preparation
• Part 2 of 4: Where and How to Prepare
• Part 3 of 4: How to Relieve Tension
• Part 4 of 4: What to do the day before your exam
• Tips
• Warnings

Entrance exams are a mandatory step in educational systems around the world. Educational institutions at various levels use entrance exams to test the knowledge of applicants wishing to enroll in courses, college, technical school or university. In and before exams, applicants experience considerable pressure, since their future depends on the success of the results. This article provides tips to help you prepare better for your entrance exams.

Steps

Part 1 of 4: How to Schedule Your Preparation

1. 1 Mark the exam date on the calendar. By submitting documents, the applicant will know the date of the exam in advance. Then you need to designate a specific day in a calendar or diary to determine the amount of time available for preparation.
2. 2 Determine how much time to devote to study and preparation. Depending on the time left before the exam, you need to determine the duration of preparation. It usually takes about 1-3 months to prepare for an important exam.
   • The amount of time required is always individual. Assess your workload before exams. Are there any public holidays during this time? Do you have family trips planned? How busy are you at school? Allocate time around your schedule. If you have a busy schedule, then it is better to set aside more days for preparation, since some of them you will simply not have time to prepare.
   • A good simple rule of thumb is: sleep more than work; work more than study; learn more than have fun.
3. 3 Make a schedule or calendar for the months and weeks leading up to the exam. After that, it is necessary to mark in it all the days when you plan to prepare, and the days when there will be a break in your preparation.
   • Mark all busy days that have other activities planned — work, sports, travel, or meetings — to get an accurate idea of ​​the number of days off.
4. 4 Circle all the days you plan to rest on. Perhaps one day a week should be distracted from preparation (it is better to shorten the rest time a couple of weeks before the exam).Mark such days on the calendar as "weekend" or "rest".
5. 5 Determine how many hours a day you will study. The entrance exams are very important, so try to spend as much time preparing as possible. In doing so, it is important to keep in mind other responsibilities and events in life. Realistically estimate how much time you have to prepare each day.
   • Let's say you can spend 1-2 hours studying most of your days. Another option is also possible when your schedule is loaded with part-time work or sports activities, and you are able to allocate only 30 minutes a day to study, and sometimes a couple of hours. Try to plan wisely every day.
   • In the calendar, indicate the time allotted for preparation on each specific day.
6. 6 Plan your preparation. Entrance exams usually assess all knowledge of a subject at the time of graduation, unless it is a specific course. In the latter case, absolutely all knowledge on a specific subject is assessed. Sometimes it is difficult to decide which material to repeat first.
   • Most often, it is a good idea to focus all your efforts on the subjects or topics that you are most adept at. Repetition of all the material covered is a voluminous and practically impossible task. Instead, it's better to focus on the issues where you are weaker at the moment.
   • Consider all subjects or topics that can be submitted for the exam and arrange them in a logical order. Take a chronological, sequential, or other approach.
   • Ask friends who have already taken such exams to share information with you. You will probably come across other topics, but understanding the essence makes it easier to focus on the important aspects.
7. 7 Distribute subjects or topics by day of preparation. Review the calendar, making notes for each preparation day. A detailed plan will save you a lot of time while studying and reviewing the material.

Part 2 of 4: Where and How to Prepare

1. 1 Find a calm and quiet place to prepare. Studies have shown that the place to study should be right for you, so look for the ability to focus on your studies and the absence of distractions. Such conditions are individual for each person.
   • The room should have a table to sit at and a comfortable chair. Having comfortable furniture will allow you to focus on your studies and not think about where to move with all the study materials.
   • The researchers concluded that it is useful to change the training site periodically. If possible, use several rooms for study.
2. 2 Buy an exam preparation guide. This is not necessary, but you can learn the types of future questions, wording and preferred answers from the manual for a specific exam.
   • The guide will allow you to focus on specific topics. Such textbooks often use exam materials from previous years.
   • You can also find exam preparation materials online. Sometimes you can find free materials or electronic copies of exam preparation materials on the Internet.
3. 3 Gather all the materials you need. Determine the topic of each specific lesson. To focus on preparation, have everything you need close at hand:
   • lecture notes and lessons;
   • old homework assignments, essays and essays;
   • blank sheets of paper;
   • pencils, erasers and markers;
   • a computer or laptop - only when necessary (otherwise it may distract you);
   • snack and water.
4. 4 Determine your type of information perception. There are different learning styles, so knowing how you best absorb information is important to success.
   • Visual perception. Visual information is best remembered. Watch videos, PowerPoint presentations, or simply watch people put information on paper or on a whiteboard.
   • Auditory perception. Information is better perceived by ear.Listen to lectures or tape recordings of lectures.
   • Kinesthetic perception: Information is memorized in the process of work. Solve problems and work through the material yourself, use an empirical approach.
5. 5 Prepare according to your type of perception. Determine how best to internalize knowledge, and then use such methods.
   • Visuals are encouraged to rewrite material or turn notes into graphs, diagrams and maps. You can also recycle notes into semantic maps instead of regular notes.
   • It is helpful for audials to read or re-read study materials aloud. It is also recommended that you work in groups with people preparing for the same exam in order to discuss topics with others.
   • Kinesthetics should move while learning. For example, instead of a chair, try sitting on a gymnastic ball or reading information while exercising on a treadmill. Also try chewing gum, but keep in mind that this may not be allowed on exams.
6. 6 Time off with a timer. Regardless of the type of information perception, it is important to take breaks and not overwork. With excessive stress, the brain retains information worse, so long-term cramming is ineffective.
   • For example, set a timer for 30 minutes. After half an hour of study, take a break for 5-10 minutes. Walk around the room, go to the toilet, or go outside.
   • Also set a timer or remember the time when it's time to end your activity. If you decide that you have an hour and a half to study today, do that.
7. 7 Find ways to make learning fun. Information is memorized easier and faster if learning brings joy and positive emotions.
   • use colored markers and stickers;
   • repeat information in a playful way with parents, friends or a tutor;
   • recite the answers like a theater actor;
   • film the preparation on video or record on a dictaphone.
8. 8 Take mock exams. In addition to reviewing the material covered, it is best to prepare through mock exams. They are usually based on old or canceled questions from past exams. Advantages of the mock exams:
   • You will get acquainted with the types and wording of future questions.
   • You can calculate how long it takes to answer a question. Time your response times during the mock exams so that you can correctly calculate the available time later.
   • You may be able to narrow down the amount of information you need.
   • You will be able to check your level of knowledge and adjust further training.

Part 3 of 4: How to Relieve Tension

1. 1 Try to think positively. As the exams get closer, it's helpful to think positively about the results. Positive thoughts give strength and encourage you to exert maximum effort.
   • Get in the habit of thinking positively using self-talk. As you think about the upcoming exam, encourage yourself and be condescending. Say to yourself the same words of encouragement that you usually say to your friends.
   • If a negative thought comes to mind, think about it logically. Push her away with positive thoughts. For example, if you are thinking, "This is too difficult," then try to continue the thought: "Yes, the problem is difficult, but I will try to look at it from a different angle."
2. 2 Don't over-dramatize the situation. Try not to think contrary to logic and do not think about the situation worse than it really is. While preparing for entrance exams, it is easy to succumb to the thought "I will not pass this exam, I will not go to university, and I will not find a good job." This attitude does not lead to anything good.
   • By dramatizing the situation, exaggerating the scale of the problems, you limit your possibilities in several aspects of life, tuning in to the so-called "self-fulfilling prophecy" and negative developments. If you convince yourself that you will not be able to pass the exams, then the risk of such an outcome increases, because for a long time you have set yourself up for failure.
   • If you are really dramatizing, start fighting yourself. Start writing down your thoughts at times like these, and after a week try to spot recurring patterns. Do these thoughts come to your mind only when you study a specific subject? Perhaps they are raised by certain questions? Determine the nature of the recurring event and start replacing such thoughts with positive ideas.
3. 3 Develop a coping strategy. As you prepare for the exams, think about what problems might arise on the exam itself. The best solution would be mock exams. Pay attention to questions that confuse you. Subsequently, come up with ways to eliminate such difficulties during the exam.
   • Skip the hardest questions and come back to them later. Remember to leave room for a follow-up answer if you need to answer in order.
   • Use the exclusion method. Eliminate undoubtedly erroneous or incorrect answers to reduce the number of options.
   • Reread the question or related text again to double check your answer.
   • In tests, always read all the answer options. One of the first options may seem correct to you, but the subsequent answer may be more accurate.
   • Highlight or underline important parts of the question or reading text. This method will help to identify the key aspects when answering the question.
   • Read the question first and then the associated text. This makes it easier to understand what information to pay attention to.
4. 4 Don't forget about healthy sleep. Young people and adolescents need 8-10 hours of sleep every night. During this time, your body should relax and release tension so you can focus and feel more relaxed.
   • It is important to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. This will help your body clock or circadian rhythm ensure you get good sleep every night.
5. 5 Take a break from studying. You've probably added a few days off to your preparation schedule. No need to change plans and study on a day off. You just need to relieve stress, calm down and enjoy other aspects of life.
6. 6 Use breathing exercises to reduce anxiety during exams. Breathing exercises can be used at any time, but they are especially useful during exams if you are very nervous.
   • Soothing: Breathe in through your nose for a count of four. Then hold your breath for a count of two. Finally, exhale through your mouth, also for a count of four.
   • Breathing evenly: Count to four as you inhale and exhale. Both actions are performed through the nose. Repeat until you calm down.
   • Focus on taking longer to exhale than inhale. This simple technique can help you relax without having to count.
7. 7 Practice meditation or yoga. Meditation is a great way to release tension and control yourself, while yoga allows you to actively prepare for meditation.
   • Find a quiet place and sit comfortably. Place your hands gently on your knees and try not to think about problems and worries. Guided meditation techniques can be used, but an equally effective solution is to focus on your breathing and clear your mind for 10 minutes.
8. 8 Relieve tension with physical activity. Physical education not only allows you to keep yourself in shape, but also helps to calm down in times of stress or disappointment. Any exercise can be done. The main thing is to do them correctly so as not to be injured:
   • run;
   • go for a walk;
   • swim;
   • ride a bike;
   • go in for sports (tennis, football, horse riding).
9. 9 Transform anxiety into pleasant excitement. It's okay to be nervous, but why not turn the excitement into anticipation of the exam? Usually people are not looking forward to future exams, but try using the following thoughts to tune in to the positive:
   • "Finally, I have the opportunity to show everyone my knowledge!"
   • “I was repeating all these equations and formulas very tensely. The math teacher will be proud of me! "
   • "I put in a lot of effort, so they should be rewarded!"

Part 4 of 4: What to do the day before your exam

1. 1 Find out the time and place of the exam. Check the information and make sure you know the exact time and place. You must arrive for the exam in advance to register and go to the required auditorium.
2. 2 Set your alarm. In the morning, you should have enough time to wake up, take a shower (if you shower in the morning), eat a healthy breakfast, and get to the exam site.
3. 3 Collect all the items you need. Pack all the things you'll need for the entrance exam in your backpack or bag:
   • pencils and erasers;
   • pens;
   • calculator (if needed and not prohibited);
   • a bottle of water;
   • snack.
4. 4 Eat a healthy dinner and plan a healthy breakfast. Complex carbohydrates provide us with energy for a long time, as they are absorbed longer. Prepare a healthy dinner with the right balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
   • Consider a breakfast in which healthy fats and proteins prevail over carbohydrates. In this case, you should not completely abandon carbohydrates. The combination of healthy fats and proteins will keep you feeling full for a long time, so you will definitely not experience a lack of energy during the exam.
5. 5 Try not to cram at the last moment. On the last evening before the exam, the nerves are always at the limit, so the information is practically not stored in the memory. Better try to have a good rest or relax.
6. 6 Get at least eight hours of sleep. Go to bed as early as possible so that the sleep time is at least eight, and even better 9-10 hours. In the morning it is important to be rested and control yourself.

Tips

• Take advantage of the services of a tutor or sign up for a preparatory course. This approach will allow you to regularly check what you have learned and review important points.
• Drink plenty of water. Feeling fresh and not thirsty will make it easier for you to cope with difficulties. Water is always good for the body.

Warnings

• Do not be late at all, otherwise you may not be admitted to the exam.