Top 12 Tips for Effective Studying during the University Entrance Exam Preparation Phase

Setting goals is a prerequisite before anyone undertakes any meaningful task. Humans engage in behaviors with the intention of achieving goals, and students are no exception. Before diving into exam preparation, always remind yourself of what outcome you desire from this exam period. Whether it's passing the university entrance exam, gaining admission to a prestigious university with high scores, or even aiming to become the valedictorian, whatever it may be, make sure to set a goal for yourself and strive to achieve it. Goals will serve as the motivation for you to accomplish the following tips.

You should focus when studying, avoid distractions, and thoughts about other things. When you concentrate effectively, your work and study efficiency increase significantly. However, effective study time is usually only around 45 minutes, so take breaks and relax every 45 minutes.

Your study corner significantly influences your study sessions. You should choose a space near a window, well-ventilated, and quiet to stimulate brain activity and enhance memory retention. Also, arrange your study corner reasonably to keep yourself interested whenever you sit down to review for exams.

It's not necessary to only listen to instrumental music to stimulate both hemispheres of the brain; you can also choose various other methods to study more effectively. Another form that utilizes both hemispheres of the brain is using mind maps, which help with quick memorization and long-term retention.

Regular exercise and sports training are essential for maintaining good immunity, enabling more effective studying and work.

During exam preparation, opt for healthy, easily digestible foods, steer clear of stimulants, and ensure adequate nutrient intake for your body. Avoid studying immediately after eating; take a 20 - 30 minute break before studying. When feeling tense or tired, your brain lacks oxygen; relax, take deep breaths, and drink water to replenish lost oxygen.

This is a widely used method, especially for foreign language learning. Have you ever wondered why we remember the names of loved ones for so long, sometimes never forget, why we don't forget the names of household items, study tools, etc.? Simply because those objects are repeated over and over again, and the brain records them, forming memories. To remember longer, study in sequences of related exercise types, related knowledge topics. This requires logical thinking, making you smarter, as nerve cells created will connect like a sturdy chain, forming a stronger network, leading to better retention.

Always ensure you get enough sleep to allow your body to rest, reduce stress, and feel energized when waking up. This is considered crucial time of the day, so make sure to finish tasks early; avoid staying up late, as it can affect your health and productivity the next day.

If you tend to forget easily or have a wandering mind, taking notes is highly effective. Write down what you can remember; this activates your brain, requiring it to imagine, organize, and link the learned knowledge to be written on paper without missing information.