How to Cram for Exams

Cramming is not exactly ideal, but high school and college are sometimes overwhelming and long-term test prep is not always possible. When you find yourself in a pinch, don't panic. Make the best of the situation by following these last-minute study tips.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Get at least one full cycle of sleep. Cramming leaves you sleep-deprived, disoriented and delusional. Staying up late and getting up early is fine, but pencil in at least three hours for some quality REM.
2. Read chapter summaries and class notes. Don't try to tackle the whole textbook if the test is the next day. This will never work! Not only will you forget most of what you read, but you also won't remember enough specific details to answer questions. Chapter summaries highlight the most important aspects, and class notes provide great clues as to what you might be tested on.
3. Eat energy food. Fruits, peanuts or whole grain crackers are good snacks. Chewing gum can be helpful, too. Although you'll be tempted to guzzle caffeine or go for a sugar high, both of these options will make you crash--and more than likely, it will be right around the time the exam starts.
4. Take a break. Your mind needs time to rest, so take five or ten minutes every couple hours to rejuvenate. A brisk walk helps, as does a specific task, like making a cup of tea or starting a load of laundry. If you only have a couple of hours before the exam, take at least one break.
5. Be upbeat. The thought of impending doom will not help you succeed on an exam. Chill out and tell yourself you're going to be fine (whether or not it's the truth). A calmer mentality will help your brain concentrate on drawing from memory for answers.
6. Think critically. By far, the best way to cram for an exam is to think critically about the concepts and theories covered in the class. Since you don't have time to study all of the material covered, thinking on a broad scale about the purpose of the class may help you answer questions without really knowing the answers.

Tips & Warnings

• An old wives' tale for test taking suggests eating mints during the exam for higher concentration. Some schools give kids a mint at the start of standardized test sessions.
• If you feel like you're completely doomed, it's a good idea to spend the time you have concentrating on just a handful of things. You can guarantee at least a few points this way. This is a good way to cram for essay tests.
• Don't get too comfortable in that lounge chair. Comfort leads to drowsiness, which leads to distraction, which leads to sleep. Find a place that is semi-uncomfortable but not painful. After all, you don't want to land at the other extreme and be distracted by discomfort.
• It is significantly harder to retain information during a cram session. We learn from repetition, and unless you're Superman, it will be hard to incorporate repetition into your last-minute studying. Focus on things that are easy to remember, or create a few acronyms to help you along the way.