Ready, Set, Study! Summer Exam Prep Tips for Success

Whether you’re gearing up for finals or take-home assignments, having a realistic strategy or plan can make all the difference. Here’s how to make the most of your remaining study time and boost your confidence heading into exams.

️ Create a Study Schedule

Don’t leave studying to the last minute! A consistent study schedule helps break the workload into manageable chunks. Studying in smaller sessions over time helps you retain more information and reduces last-minute stress. Start by identifying what you need to review and plan short, focused sessions for each subject.

Tip: Try using a calendar or planner to schedule study blocks. Stick to it like any other important appointment. Check out the Study Module on PMC’s Learning Strategies course in Brightspace (search for the course via the “Discover” search and “Enroll now”) for an example and templates of study planners.

✨ Set Up for Success

A tidy, dedicated study space can do wonders for your focus. Choose a quiet area with good lighting, gather your materials, and keep distractions to a minimum.

Bonus Tip: Keep a “Parking Lot” (aka blank pad of paper) nearby to jot down thoughts that pop up mid-study. That way, your mind stays clear, and you don’t lose your flow. When you’re all done study, look at those thoughts to see what are actually action items and what were distractors.

⏳ Study Smart: Short & Frequent

It’s better to study for 30 minutes a day than cram for three hours straight. Short, daily review sessions improve long-term memory and make studying less overwhelming. Plus, you’ll avoid burnout and reduce procrastination.

Try This: The Pomodoro Technique – study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer 30-60 minute break.

Active Learning: Practice & Teach

One of the best ways to study? Test yourself. Use practice questions to pinpoint weak spots and reinforce learning. Even better—try teaching the material to someone else. If you can explain it clearly, you understand it well!

Sources for practice questions:

• Your textbook’s review sections
• Past exams (check for an exam bank)
• Create your own or swap with classmates

️ Organize What You Know

Rewriting notes or summarizing key concepts can make the material stick. Use visual tools to bring the info to life:

• Mind Maps – great for seeing connections
• Summary Sheets – for big ideas and quick review
• Cornell Notes – excellent for self-quizzing
• Charts – helpful for comparisons or processes

Helpful Study Apps

Let technology help you out! Here are some top-rated tools:

• Quizlet – make flashcards, test yourself, and play review games
• Anki – smart flashcards that adapt to your memory
• Forest – grow a virtual tree while staying focused
• Notion – organize notes, create to-do lists, and track study plans
• Pomofocus.io – a clean, customizable Pomodoro timer

Remember: It’s not about studying harder—it’s about studying early/often. Set yourself up with a strong plan, use the right tools, and give yourself plenty of breaks along the way. You’ve got this!