Studying Hard but Scoring Low Marks? These 5 Things Need to Change Now
You’ve been studying long and hard, yet you’ve garnered low scores in the exam recently. Many students put in hours of study, even burn the midnight oil, but fail to secure high marks. Why is it so? Where do they falter? Or are they doing it all wrong? Not exactly, but some mistakes lead to this situation. And, if you are one of those who studies for a long time but does not get the desired result, this piece is for you. Here, we cite the best study methods to help you secure high scores.
No proper study schedule
You may intend to study hard and even do so, but not having a proper study schedule defeats the purpose. A solid plan will help you focus on a particular subject/topic. A good plan will also help you keep track of your progress. It will help you understand which areas you need to focus on more. We suggest you set goals for every study session about what you want to achieve. This will help you review your progress and make any changes accordingly.
You’re memorising and not trying to understand
You may be studying without a thought, i.e., you’re rote learning without attempting to understand what you’re reading or studying. It is necessary to understand what you’re studying to retain it better. Therefore, think about how what you’re studying is connected to other topics. This way, you will gain a better understanding of that, and this, in turn, will help you remember it better and for a longer time.
You have exam anxiety
We know that exam anxiety is real, and you are probably going through this as well. At times, you feel your mind has gone completely blank. Hence, even if you have studied well and know everything you need to, you forget what you’ve learnt during the exam. Your anxiety makes it difficult for you to recall and focus on answering the questions. The solution here is to relax and meditate. This will help keep negative thoughts at bay and is also one of the most powerful study tips to combat exam anxiety.
You study only for the exam
It is important to focus on understanding concepts and strengthening the basics while studying. If you’re studying only for the exam, it will impact your marks. Therefore, use the classroom as a ground for learning and studying. Participate in class discussions, review your notes after each class, form a study group with peers, jot down doubts and get them clarified by your tutors. All this helps in understanding the topic you’re studying, which subsequently helps in retaining and recalling it when needed.
You’re packing in too much in a day
If you study for long hours without taking any breaks, it will take a toll on your mental health. You must apply the ‘spacing study method’, which means you study for a short time and then take a break of a few minutes. It is all about taking periodic breaks during your studies. This way, your brain will absorb and retain what you’ve learnt for a longer time and more effectively. You can plan to study the tough topics first and then take on the easy ones and can even break long topics into small chunks.
While these are the top 5 habits you must change while studying, there are some other points to remember and follow as well.
- Do pay attention in class
- Be sure to stay organised
- Get your doubts cleared at the earliest
- Start studying early, i.e., at least three weeks before your exam
- Take as many practice tests as you can
Remember, adopting effective study habits is quite simple and easy, so follow these now to garner a good score. Although test preparation can be stressful, it need not be so if you adopt and apply these study strategies. As mentioned, taking practice tests is very effective, and you can find many online to supplement your studies. TG Campus offers numerous practice tests for the school exams, the Boards and even competitive exams. These tests cover the entire syllabus in-depth, which strengthens what you’ve learnt while also giving you a feel of the actual exam. Scoring high marks is easily possible if you study in a structured and organised manner. We wish you all the very best for our exam.
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FAQs
How to study smart?
There are some ways to do that, such as being organised, creating a solid study plan, taking enough breaks while studying, breaking the longer topics into small batches, making notes in your handwriting, and revising your notes after each chapter. Do all this, and you are sorted.
Should I seek help from teachers or tutors if I’m struggling with certain subjects?
Seek help from your teachers as they are experts in the subject. They are the ones who will clarify any doubts and help you out with any difficulty in any topic.
How can I stay motivated and focused while studying?
One great way is to take period breaks while studying and indulging in an activity you like. You can even take a short walk and pull yourself away from your study desk and books completely. This is very refreshing. Another way is to meditate to calm your mind when you take a break. Also, spend time with your friends and family and stay physically active. Physical activity, besides improving your fitness and physical health, also improves your brain health. All these activities help you stay motivated and hence, more focused on your studies.
