This blog post was written by Blessing, a Communications Management Ma student at Tallinn University.
Welcome to the tension season for all students - the exam period. Thankfully, we are all in this together. Are you looking for the best way to ace your semester and get the best grades possible? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your semester and achieve your academic goals. They are tested and trusted😉.
How to Get Your A’s this Semester
1. Develop a Study Plan
The first step to getting the best grades this semester is to develop a study plan. A successful study plan should include various activities such as reviewing notes, reading textbooks, and additional resources. Depending on your learning style, you may want to focus on some activities more than others.
For example, if you are a visual learner, you may want to create a study guide of images or diagrams to help you remember key concepts. You might also turn to learning on YouTube to learn about specific topics. On the other hand, if you are an auditory learner, you might want to use text-to-speech applications like Natural Reader to read your materials to your hearing.
2. Take Breaks
It's essential to take regular breaks when studying. Taking periodic breaks will help you stay focused and motivated when studying. Establish a routine where you read for a certain amount of time, take a break, and then come back to studying. Taking breaks will help you stay productive and on task while studying. Remember, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy and Jill a tired girl.
3. Utilise Campus Resources
When it comes to resources, Estonian universities sure ain't lacking! Your campus has a variety of resources that can help you get the best grades this semester. Take advantage of resources, such as the physical and e-libraries, student buddies, and tutoring centres. Do you know your library can actually provide you access to paywalled research papers on platforms like Elsevier and JSTOR? You can also find additional helpful resources on Khan Academy and Chegg.
4. Study Smart
Preparing for exams can be overwhelming and intimidating, but studying smart can help you get the best out of your experience.
- Find an environment that suits your needs and use it to its full potential. Whether it's a quiet corner of the library or a buzzing cafe, make sure it's a place where you can feel comfortable and motivated.
- Break up your studying into manageable chunks and set yourself goals for each session. This will help to keep you focused and productive. Use flashcards tools like Brainscape, practice quizzes and mnemonic techniques to ensure you retain the information.
- Clarify information from your lecturer about the exam well ahead of the scheduled exam date. You would be surprised to know that most professors are happy to share information about the focus areas and exam format - whether essays or multiple choice, closed or open book, etc. Also, upon request, some are gracious to add extra time to what would have been the exam duration. Just ask; you have nothing to lose.
- Dot the i's and cross the t's. Go through the study requirements for all your courses and ascertain that you fulfilled them all. Check that you submitted all assignments, participated in class activities, took part in group presentations and all. If you feel you missed out on something, reach out to your lecturer on what to do to make up for it.
5. Ask for Help
Don't hesitate to ask for help if you find yourself struggling with a course or topic. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness; it's a sign of strength.
- If you need extra guidance, you could speak to your classmates, student buddy, or even senior colleagues who have graduated. They can point you in the right direction and help you with any issues you are having.
- Take advantage of your lecturers' office hours to clarify any topics you are struggling with. Also, if you find yourself falling behind, don't hesitate to ask for extra credit. This can be a great way to boost your grades and give you the edge you need to achieve academic success.
6. Take Care of Yourself
Finally, it's important to remember to take care of yourself while preparing for exams. Make sure you get enough sleep, eat well and stay hydrated. Remember to exercise regularly as well. Most universities have in-school gyms or discounted membership access to others, take advantage of that. This will help keep your body and mind healthy and enable you to stay focused and motivated.
The exam period can be daunting, but you got this💪. So believe in yourself, work hard and don't forget to take care of yourself. Good luck and happy studying!
Photo credits: Unsplash and Pexels
Read more blog posts:
-
Are You Productive or Just Busy? How to Make the Most of Your Time
- Studying in Estonia: Frequently Asked Questions
Find YOUR study programme from Study in Estonia programme's page.