As we get closer and closer to the end of the school year, many start to study for the upcoming tests. Whether it be for Sat’s, Act’s, Regents, or just finals, most students want to get the best grade possible. However, I’m going to guess that most students can name a few different things that they would rather do than study. It can be both irritating and frustrating. Not to mention that a lot of students find it completely boring. Fortunately for anyone who has this issue, I made a list of 10 tips to help you prepare for exams. So without further ado, here are my Top 10 Study Tips.

Organize your study space

You want to make sure that you have enough room for all of your notes and books. Having a cramped up workspace will not only stress you out, but will cause you to be more uncomfortable. You also want to make sure you have a good amount of light so you don’t have to strain your eyes. Believe it or not, once you get comfortable and relaxed, you’ll find that it is much easier to concentrate on the work in front of you.

Get rid of distractions

Another major tip is to get rid of most or all of the distractions around you. Getting distracted by your phone, tv, or games can be a huge problem when it comes to studying. You want to have your full focus and attention on the topic at hand. When you start getting distracted, you’ll lose interest in what is important. Try to study in a quiet, yet comfortable location. Keep your phone out of sight. If it’s next to you, you’ll just be tempted to check social media or text a family member or friend of yours.

Use old exams to your advantage

A great way to get some practice is by using old tests that you have either taken throughout the year or have found online. Many students look through their tests in order to refresh their memory on how to solve a question or when a certain event happened. They may also look online for past tests they have been given by the states. www.nysedregents.org has actual tests that were given in the past. The website has tests from Math regents, Social Studies regents, and even the English regents. These could serve as a great way to practice and see what you already know and what you should refresh your mind on.

Create a study group

Studying doesn’t have to be boring. You don’t need to lock yourself in your room or stay indoors for hours on end. Making a study group can help you further understand a topic while still keeping in contact with your friends. You must be careful though because creating a study group also has its cons. Make sure to stay on the task at hand. Don’t gossip about your peers or plans for a future date or event. If you want to know more about how a study group can help you, look at this article that explains 7 benefits of study groups. (https://www.speedyprep.com/blog/7-benefits-of-study-groups/)

Take breaks

You may think that studying for as many hours as you can will help you. However, it can actually cause more harm than you think. Studying without a break can be extremely counterproductive. Studies have actually shown that when you study without a break, your mind starts to waver. You won’t be concentrated on the papers in front of you.

Snack on brain food

Eating certain foods before studying is proven to be extremely beneficial towards you. The food can actually strengthen the synapses in your brain related to memory. www.lifehacker.com explains more about how eating food can prove to be helpful to you. Some of these foods consist of but are not limited too, Avocados, Beets, Blueberries, and Dark Chocolate.

Drink plenty of water

Water, as we all know, is an important factor in our daily diet. Drinking enough water is beneficial to our brain because it provides the nutrients that the brain needs as well as removes many of the toxins. In fact, lack of water can cause many problems for people. You can have memory problems, mental fatigue, and problems with vision. www.gorska.com can further help explain why drinking water can help you not only in studying, but also help with your overall health.

Get a good sleep

Believe it or not, sleep is a good thing when you want to study for something. When you get sleep, it boosts your mental health. Not only that, but it can help make your memory sharper. That means remembering more things that are important. Lastly, a good night’s rest will help you with your decision making. It keeps your motivated on things that need to get done.

Make note cards

If you need help remembering equations or vocabulary then making note cards can help. It’s a simple way that can benefit your studying. Making the cards will not only help you remember certain facts, but it can simplify them for you. No long definitions or struggling to understand something. Note cards are the way to go for an easy study session.

Don’t procrastinate

Don’t Procrastinate – Procrastination is literally the opposite of productivity. Many hold back on doing projects and studying. They wait until the night before or even the day of a test. This is not only a problem but can cause you harm. Studying the night before or even the day of a test can cause large amounts of stress. It’s okay to refresh your memory, but it isn’t okay to cram every bit of information. This is why studying ahead of time is the best option.