Professional exams aren’t about memory recall. They concentrate on finding out if you can apply what you’ve learnt and can develop a reasoned argument. You can’t just regurgitate your course notes and expect to pass.
So revision should really be a process where you consolidate your learning. We’ve come up with a handy step by step plan to help you tackle worthwhile revision.
Stay on top of your reading
You can’t revise something you don’t know. So make sure you read throughout your studies. Follow the course content, read the course material, and make sure you’re familiar with the subject. Ask your tutor if you’re not sure about anything.
Start your revision
There’s no point in waiting until the last minute to revise. Keep going back over subjects and topics that you’ve been taught - don’t leave too long between learning something new and going back to review it.
Get organised
Work out how much revision time you need versus how much time you have until your exam. Draw up a revision timetable that is realistic but also gives you enough time to fully get to grips with the subject. Spend more time on your weaker areas, but don’t neglect ones you think you know well. Always revisit all the topics, just to make sure you’re on the right track.
If in doubt, ask for help
If you’re struggling getting to grips with a tricky topic, or something just isn’t making sense, ask your tutor for help. They’re experts in their subjects and know that students sometimes get stuck on things. And they’ll have a way to explain it that will make more sense.
Active revision
Reading isn’t always the best way of remembering what something means. If you can relate a subject to a real-life scenario it’s much more likely to stick. Concentrate on a small subject area and make sure you understand, can explain and can apply the subject. A good way to do this is to turn what you know into a diagram or picture - or even try to explain it out loud to someone who doesn’t know the topic, and see if they understand what you’re talking about.
Practice makes perfect
Only by testing yourself will you know if you really understand a subject. Make the most of practice questions and mock exams. They will help you pinpoint the areas that need a bit more attention. Don’t stress out about these - they’re just tools to aid revision and focus your study time.
Things to avoid
Don’t revise for too long at a time. Your concentration will lapse and you’ll think you’ve covered a topic but actually your mind will have wandered and you’ve wasted valuable revision time. A revision session shouldn’t be more than three hours at a time - one hour is probably enough per subject. And make sure you take breaks - a minimum of 5 minutes per hour when you’re revising.
And don’t panic. Don’t suffer alone if you’re freaking out about your exams. Speak to a tutor and they’ll be able to offer you advice and reassure you that you’re on the right track.