17 tips for exam success

Sleep is your memory’s best friend: it consolidates learning. All-nighters might seem heroic, but sleep is essential for moving information from short-term to long-term memory. Prioritize a good night’s sleep before any exam. Researchers like Okano et al. (2019) suggest that longer sleep duration, better sleep quality, and greater sleep consistency were all associated with improved academic performance. Studies showed that up to 25% of variance in performance was related to sleep!

From Day 1, fill those gaps in your class schedule with time dedicated to completing coursework, drafting papers, reviewing lectures and studying. Build it into your weekly routine. You’ll thank yourself later. Try a digital planner app like Upbase, Todoist or Google Calendar.

Research shows that cramming is not always the best approach. The quality of your study time is more important than the hours you put in (although dedicating enough time to each subject is important). Embrace the concept of spaced repetition. Reviewing information at intervals strengthens memory. Maintain your focus by taking a five-minute break after every 25 minutes of studying. And when you study, try a mix of techniques that engage multiple senses: talk it out, sing it, make up rhymes, draw diagrams.

Test yourself regularly. Use resources such as quiz generators and study apps, like Quizlet or Anki, and collaborative platforms, such as Google Docs. Create flashcards or create a game with a classmate. Also, many professors and TAs will prepare test exams. Do a trial run before the real thing.

If you haven’t already done so, consider joining a study group organized by your faculty. Testing your knowledge and bouncing ideas off others who are studying the same subject can really help with recall and memorization. Plus, it’s more social than being a lone wolf!

Hone your writing skills with the help of writing mentors at the Academic Writing Help Centre. Learn how to understand assignment instructions, create an outline, organize your thoughts and properly cite reference sources. You can book an appointment with a writing mentor as well as consult writing resources on the Academic Writing Help Centre webpage.

Pretty much everybody puts off hard work in favour of fun. Procrastination is often more about managing discomfort than about managing time. Start with one task, focus on it for a few hours and be kind to yourself. Seek help if you need it: book an appointment with a uOttawa counsellor.

Meet your professor and ask questions. Be proactive by talking to your teaching assistant. Don’t be shy about asking questions about complex ideas. Everybody wants you to succeed.

If you feel that you’re struggling or not understanding the course material, don’t wait: reach out to your professor or TA right away. You can also ask your faculty advisor for guidance. At the University of Ottawa, there are many ways to get academic support, including study groups, the Academic Writing Help Centre, workshops and tutorials.

Of course it’s normal to get stressed at times. If you’re having trouble distinguishing between normal and excessive anxiety or worry, start by visiting the Health and Wellness Getting Help for students webpage.

Study in a clutter-free space with few distractions. Bedrooms aren’t the best spots and especially not your bed! There are many quiet spaces on campus. Explore our Complete guide to best study spots. Research suggests that studying in different spots can improve your recall.

One useful hack is to reframe your mindset. Rather than telling yourself “I have to do this,” start saying “I get to do this.” Remind yourself why you’re here: to learn and gain qualifications for your ideal future.

Explain concepts to friends, younger siblings or even your teddy bear in simple terms. If you can teach it, you’ve nailed it.

Don’t panic if you don’t do well at first or get things wrong during practice tests. Mistakes are learning opportunities. In fact, you’re more likely not to repeat errors since the corrections and solutions will be fresh in your mind.

Did you know that at the University of Ottawa, you can submit papers and write exams in either English or French, even if the course material is taught in the other official language? It’s a cornerstone of uOttawa’s commitment to bilingualism. So, if you feel you’ll do better in the other official language of your choice, go ahead!

Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, stay hydrated and maintain a balanced, nutritious diet. Ease off on the caffeine and alcohol.

Find time in your busy schedule to take care of yourself. A routine can help you stay on track. Keep to a regular schedule for eating, sleeping and working out, but remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect for you to feel the benefits!

There are as many self-care strategies as there are people. Here are some ideas to help you de-stress, relax and focus:

• Physical: walking (optionally, with your dog or a friend), keeping to a consistent bedtime, doing yoga or exercise, taking steps to eat healthier food
• Mental: gratitude journaling, reading or baking
• Social: seeing friends
• Spiritual: spending time in nature, meditating or praying

As a student, you have access to a variety of health, wellness and support services, including TAO (therapy assisted online) sessions. Learn more about health and wellness resources at uOttawa.

We’ve shared this before, but it’s well worth remembering that both experts and fellow students can offer plenty of amazing tools and words of wisdom. Although much of this advice may be tailored to specific courses and subjects, the same principles apply no matter what you’re studying. Check out these resources:

• Faculty of Science Mentoring Centre articles, including:
  • Final Exams Preparation
  • How to make a study schedule
  • How to memorize
• Faculty of Arts Student Mentoring Centre:
  • Arts mentoring centre guides and resources, including tips for exam preparation and memorization
  • Short video on time management and other workshops
• Engineering Mentoring Centre with individual consultations to help you make a study plan
• Faculty of Social Sciences Student Experience Centre
• Telfer School of Management mentorship programs
• Health Sciences Mentoring Centre
• Faculty of Law — Common Law Section mentorship programs
• Faculty of Law — Civil Law Section student services (in French)
• Faculty of Medicine peer support and services

A great place to start is by booking an appointment with a mentor in one of our many faculties and services.

Good luck!