4 habits of a high-achieving student + pre exam ritual
Rather than focusing on the goal, James Clear, author of Atomic Habits, says that small incremental, everyday routines compound into massive change over time. Goals can sometimes feel quite far away, but what action can we take now? By taking on the habits of high-achieving, engaged students, we take steps toward becoming the type of student we want to be.
Whether you are preparing for the 11+, 13+, GCSE, A level, IB or any other exam the following steps work a treat!
You may want to do well in an exam, but getting top grades will be trickier if your habits don’t align with your desired goal.
Don’t forget:
You are a student capable of doing very well if you put your mind to it! You can do it!
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What would engaged students do?
Engaged students make a robust study schedule.
Now that the exams are around the corner make sure you have a plan. It is time to prioritise the topics that need the most revision.
Step 1- Make a list of all the topics that need your attention before the test.
Step 2 - Schedule specific days and times to review the materials and topics.
Step 3 - Create an action plan for reviewing the topic. Will you work through an exam? Will you make notes or go through your Quizlet flashcards? Where possible, writing by hand helps us remember.
Engaged students build up their endurance.
It’s a bit like doing reps on weight sets. Maybe you can only concentrate for 10 minutes. Next, try 15 minutes and keep trying to push your brain to focus for more extended periods.
Engaged students prioritise sleep
How much we remember has a strong correlation with how much we sleep. If you’re not getting enough sleep, the information on which you spent your time and energy may not get converted into your memory. Especially on the night before the exam, get to sleep early. Many students think pulling an all-nighter will help their performance, but a lack of sleep impedes working memory function and attentiveness.
Engaged students get into the zone.
Before the exam, avoid comparing revision with other students. It’ll take your head out of the game. Wish your friends good luck. Focus on yourself! Make sure you’re hydrated and don’t drink too much. Leaving the exam hall will waste precious exam time.
Not know how to best spend the time before an exam?
Try our pre-exam ritual!
Depending on where you are in exam season, it may not be possible to spend the entire day before the exam studying exclusively on the content for the exam the following day. Try to stay calm and progress through the topics that need your attention. Use active revision techniques. Don’t just read the information, speak the information out loud as your read it, cover it up and try to repeat it back to yourself. Actively try to remember.
The night before:
Close your textbooks around dinner time
Prepare your equipment, bag and clothes for the next day
Have a healthy, nutritious meal
Get some fresh air and light exercise
Do something you find relaxing
Go to bed early
The morning of the exam:
Wake up with plenty of time
Pinpoint any areas you can cover in a few short (10 mins), high-intensity, active revision sessions. Revise keywords, definitions, dates etc.
Eat a filling and nutritious breakfast - don’t drink too much
Stay calm and focused on yourself. Avoid talking to friends about the exam or any revision you’ve done.
Remember, you can only do your best! We’re so proud of you!
Best of luck!
