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Study tips from our readers

In October 2010 we ran a competition that asked our readers for their best tips for studying and exam preparation. We had over 150 entrants share their secrets to exam success with us, and some of them were absolute gems.

Here, for your self-improvement, is a handful of the great tips and advice that youthcentral readers have to offer about taking exams. Have a flip through what these guys have got to say. Some of it might work for you, some of it might not, but it's all about finding the techniques that work for you, so if you see something you think will help, why not try it out?

We've organised these tips into loose categories so they're easier to flip through. Have a squizz, and best of luck with your exams and end-of-year assignments!

Remembering stuff

Irim says: Always revise everything on the same night when you have had the lecture or tute before going to sleep.

Carley says: I write myself little notes of things I need to remember and place them in common places in the house like on my breakfast cereal so every morning I'm forced to read it. It helps with remembering information.

Rohan says: My best study tip is blending studying into your hobbies. If you enjoy going for a run bring your MP3 player along to listen to the latest podcast lessons or if you love playing the guitar, why not make a song related to refraction and light?

Liam says: If I need to remember something for an exam, I will read it, say it, write it down, and have someone else say it to me. It never fails!

Chantelle says: Apply what you study. Link it to things you know. Form acronyms, stories & mental pics (the sillier the better). It'll be easier to remember what you study. If you understand a concept you learn, you won't have to memorise the info - it will make sense!

Sharon says: While you are answering one question, information about another may suddenly occur to you. Jot it down somewhere because when you come to that question perhaps an hour later, you may have forgotten it.

Danielle says: CATS! C = Chat-about the material - you'll always remember a conversation. A = Acronyms - make them up to remember long lists. T = Test yourself. S = Study hard, and in advance. I did this through uni, it was my ticket to HDs and an awesome job.

James says: My best study tip is to draw pictures that relate to what you're studying, no matter how bizarre or crazy. If you remember the picture, you'll remember what you were studying! It works especially well for remembering quotes.

Get offline

Toni says: I write out my homework by hand so I don't get distracted by facebook and the internet :)

Jessica says: Change your facebook password to a keyboard bash that's impossible to memorise. Jot the mix down on a sticky note, hand it to your best friend, and make them promise not to give it back until you've finished that assignment or aced that exam.

Take breaks and eat healthy

Nicole says: It's been proven that you should study for 50 minutes, then take a 15 minute break. It gives your brain a rest so you can study and remember stuff better.

Priya says: Always have a break and move around in between study sessions - this helps you to keep fit, yet keep focussed at the same time.

Sally says: My best study tip is eating healthy. This means eating foods that don't have wrappers around it. It will boost your energy and concentration levels. Not only does this keep your mind healthy but it's also good for your body too.

Study with mates

Kendall says: Study with a Buddy!! Divide the chapters you need to learn into 2 or 3 and learn a few each, then teach it to each other! Teaching someone is the best way to learn!

Kimberly says: Teaching whatever you're trying to revise to your dog! You learn best from teaching!

James says: Get some mates who're in the same subject and make it a competition! Create a table of what you'll study for 2 hour blocks then update each other every two hours. Better notes = higher score. You get cooperation + extra motivation to beat them!

Stay comfortable and motivated

Trang says: Study with your goals and aspirations clearly in front of you as when you are tired or not feeling in the mood to study, as soon as you look up there would be motivation for you to keep going.

Kelly says: My best study tip is to completely ignore the surroundings and turn up the music.

Carly says: Be surrounded by things you like! A place with good karma that feels warm (but not too snug so that you sleep instead of studying) is a place you can comfortably learn for hours. It's a personal thing though, so you have to make your own study place!

For more advice on school & exams, check out our Study & training section.

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