strategies to study everything..

When you can’t study everything!

Have you ever experienced the frustration of studying diligently for an exam only to discover that none of the material you focused on was being tested? It's a common dilemma faced by many students. In fact, I just sat an exam where this happened to me (thanks for that). However, instead of feeling disheartened, it's essential to approach studying strategically and be prepared for a wide range of topics. I want to explore some practical strategies to study everything when it's impossible to cover every single detail. While it may not guarantee that you'll encounter every topic you studied, it can definitely maximise your preparedness.

So, what on earth happened to me?

I recently sat my Spatial Materiality exam. Despite facing some challenges the last few weeks, I managed to allocate as much time as possible to study with the help of a good friend. Admittedly, I couldn't dedicate as much time to studying as I would have liked due to the distractions in my life. The night before the exam, while studying with my friend, I actually started to feel somewhat prepared. I was acing all the questions being thrown at me. The particular exam also required memorising case studies, which is especially challenging for me as I struggle with memory retention (thank you executive dysfunction). Nevertheless, I entered the exam room semi-confident, despite forgetting to bring my pen. As I began perusing the exam questions, I very, very quickly realised that none of the material I had studied seemed to be covered, and I only recognised about half the content. It was an extremely disheartening moment.

What can be done? You can't possibly learn everything you need.

Here are some tips I think will maximise preparedness for exams – a how to study everything when you can't study everything.

Understand the exam format

 Understanding the format and structure of the exam is one of the most crucial steps for effective studying. Different exams may have various question types, such as multiple choice, essay or problem-solving. By familiarising yourself with the exam format, you can gain insights into the kind of knowledge and skills the examiners expect you to demonstrate. Reviewing past exams, consulting with instructors, or seeking guidance from people who have taken the course before may also be able to provide valuable information regarding the nature of the exam.

Identify Key Concepts and Themes

Rather than attempting to memorise every detail, identifying the most important concepts and themes in the subject matter can be really useful. A method to do this is to review your course materials, lecture notes, and textbooks (if you have them). Look for recurring ideas or overarching principles that tie different topics together. Understanding the underlying principles enables you to apply your knowledge to a broader range of questions, even if the specific details differ.

Develop Effective Study Techniques

When you can't study everything, implementing effective study techniques can maximise your learning in a limited amount of time. Passive reading and rereading materials are often less effective than active learning methods. You could try summarising the information in your own words, creating concept maps or diagrams to visualise connections, or try teaching the material to someone else. Practice with simple questions or solve problems related to your study topics. These techniques actively engage your bran and enhance your understanding and retention of the material.