Exams are coming up, and their importance can not be understated for the students of St. Paul’s School. At a value of 20 percent of the semester grade, exams have a monumental impact upon a student’s GPA. Exam week is often characterized by a rush of studying, nervous fits, and nights spent poring over months’ worth of material from lessons long forgotten. Per the request of the administration, here’s a list of The Paper Wolf’s top seven exam tips and tricks.

1.) Give yourself enough time to study.

Don’t leave your studying to the last minute the day before an exam. Start early enough to cover everything that is necessary. A helpful aid in this anti-procrastination practice is to create a timetable to plan out how all your studying time will be spent.

2.) Organize your desk or study area.

Make sure the space is free of distractions, such as last month’s pizza box and last week’s dirty laundry. You also need enough space to spread out your notes and textbooks. Tidy up the area to avoid distractions from clutter or misplaced objects.

3.) Use old practice tests and quizzes to study.

Observe the tests and quizzes the teacher has given in the past. The exam will most likely be written in the same style and format as the tests and quizzes from the first semester. Also, most teachers use the old tests as guides to creating the exam, so study the questions proposed on the tests.

4.) Explain your answer to others around you.

Most people see parents and family members while studying a disadvantage. However, they can be used for your personal advantage. Explain answers and concepts to them to make them clear in your own head and help you realize what areas you need to improve upon.

5.) Take regular breaks.

For the best long-term retention of knowledge, students need to take regular breaks to help them process the information. It’s not advantageous to study for long hours without a single break. However, the breaks should be short and free of technology. Read a chapter in a book or walk around the block before settling down to study again.

6.) Eat smart, not fast.

Keep your energy levels high and your brain focused with a fresh assortment of various healthy food options. Fish, nuts, and berries are all known to help with concentration and focus. Remember to always eat a healthy nutritious breakfast on the day of the exam.

7.) Drink plenty of water and get adequate sleep.

Remember that being well hydrated and rested is essential for your brain to excel and perform. Make sure you keep drinking plenty of water throughout your studying and also on the exam day.