Our top 10 tips on revising for exams

1) The early bird catches the worm Start revising early, this means weeks or even months before your exam – not days!

2) Environment is key Make sure your free from clutter and distractions, this will improve the quality of your revision!

3) Variety is also key! Varying the material you revise can help keep things interesting and easier to remember. Revise some things that are familiar and some things that are new or more difficult.

4) Stick revision notes…everywhere! This is so when you’re in the exam you’ll think “aha chambers of the heart – they were on the fridge!”

5) Use the mock papers This will help you get used to the format of the exams. Perhaps do them in exam conditions, so a quiet room with no revision aids and set yourself a time limit, this will replicate exam conditions.

6) Take regular breaks Research suggests that taking breaks during revision gives the brain a higher chance of remembering what you’ve crammed into it. Perhaps try 50 minutes on, 10 minutes off. Doing something entirely different to de- stress in your breaks like watching TV, going for a walk or just generally relaxing will help - your brain will appreciate it!

7) Become the tutor As a general rule revising alone and free from distractions would be our advice but telling people what you’ve been learning is also a useful activity. For example when you think you have a good understanding of blood flow through the body try explaining it to someone – thinking about how to explain it to someone will help you learn it in even more depth. Any tutor will tell you this!

8) What on earth are Mnemonics?? Mnemonics is the development of systems for improving and assisting the memory and can be a helpful way to memorise facts. Here’s an example where the first letter is used to create a phrase that you can remember. Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain – the colours of the rainbow in order: (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet)

9) Word association Some learners find it helpful to associate sounds or images with the information they’re studying or using notes/mind maps as a visual memory trigger.

10) Have some perspective If your feeling stressed, take a deep breath and remember the world won’t end if you don’t pass!

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