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Cindy
Student
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How to study and test better
I've tried changing mediums, like studying on whiteboards or exercising the recall method (which I do quite often) on paper, but it doesn't change how well I test at all. My results from classwork and test scores are drastically different.
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3 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1464
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Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Cindy,
First off, you're definitely not alone in this — so many people go through exactly what you're feeling, but not everyone talks about it. And I should give a huge shout out to Mary Patrice for the Pomodoro advice — that method really does work like magic to keep your brain sharp without completely burning out.
I know I've already shared some advice with you before on exercise — but just as a little something you should know, working out isn't just about staying fit. It’s like a secret training session for your brain too. When you move your body, you're boosting blood flow, which helps with focus, memory, and even creativity — all things that can give you an extra edge while studying. Honestly it helps both physically and mentally belive me you will feel so much freshed up in that head after a little run or so! 😊 Now, about studying itself — the gap between your classwork and test results might not be about how hard you're studying but how you're preparing your brain to perform under pressure.
One trick is to start recreating the same pressure you'll feel during a test while you're studying. Instead of just going through your notes, try active recall + timed practice — set a timer, close your notes, and challenge yourself to answer questions like you're already in the exam room. Even if you struggle at first, this method helps your brain get used to retrieving information quickly, which is exactly what happens in a real test.
Another thing that might be holding you back is how you're reviewing. If you're always going over the same flashcards or notes in the same order, your brain can trick itself into memorizing the pattern instead of the actual info. Try mixing things up — shuffle your flashcards, explain concepts out loud like you're teaching someone, or even record voice memos and listen to them later. The more you surprise your brain, the better it'll lock things in.
And don't underestimate what happens outside of study time. Sleep, hydration, and even small workouts can seriously upgrade how well your brain absorbs information. If you're running on caffeine and late-night cramming, you're basically making your brain work with half its power.
Lastly — try tracking small wins instead of just your final test scores. How many questions can you answer from memory? How long can you study without zoning out? Those little victories might not seem like much at first, but they stack up faster than you think — and they'll show you you're making progress even before your test scores catch up.
You're already putting in the effort — now it's just about tweaking the system until it works for you. Keep experimenting, stay patient, and trust that you'll figure out what clicks! If you have anything to ask or something I missed just hit me up, all the best dear!
Start with Active Recall + Timed Practice Pick 5-10 key concepts you're struggling with. Write down questions for each topic, then set a timer for 10-15 minutes and try answering them without looking at your notes. Even if you can't remember everything at first, keep doing this daily — you'll notice your brain gets faster at pulling out information.
Switch Up Your Review Style If you've been reading notes or using flashcards, try explaining concepts out loud as if you're teaching someone else (even if it's just to yourself!). This helps your brain process the information on a deeper level and makes the material stick better.
In between study sessions, try a 5-10 minute light workout — like stretching, walking, or a few jumping jacks. It might sound small, but moving your body helps reset your focus and boosts brain activity, making your next study session more productive.
Instead of writing plain notes, try creating mind maps — visual diagrams connecting ideas. This helps your brain see the bigger picture and makes it easier to remember how different concepts link together.
Go over what you've learned at regular intervals instead of cramming. Review a topic today, then again tomorrow, then in a few days. This method helps move information from short-term memory into long-term memory — perfect for tests!
First off, you're definitely not alone in this — so many people go through exactly what you're feeling, but not everyone talks about it. And I should give a huge shout out to Mary Patrice for the Pomodoro advice — that method really does work like magic to keep your brain sharp without completely burning out.
I know I've already shared some advice with you before on exercise — but just as a little something you should know, working out isn't just about staying fit. It’s like a secret training session for your brain too. When you move your body, you're boosting blood flow, which helps with focus, memory, and even creativity — all things that can give you an extra edge while studying. Honestly it helps both physically and mentally belive me you will feel so much freshed up in that head after a little run or so! 😊 Now, about studying itself — the gap between your classwork and test results might not be about how hard you're studying but how you're preparing your brain to perform under pressure.
One trick is to start recreating the same pressure you'll feel during a test while you're studying. Instead of just going through your notes, try active recall + timed practice — set a timer, close your notes, and challenge yourself to answer questions like you're already in the exam room. Even if you struggle at first, this method helps your brain get used to retrieving information quickly, which is exactly what happens in a real test.
Another thing that might be holding you back is how you're reviewing. If you're always going over the same flashcards or notes in the same order, your brain can trick itself into memorizing the pattern instead of the actual info. Try mixing things up — shuffle your flashcards, explain concepts out loud like you're teaching someone, or even record voice memos and listen to them later. The more you surprise your brain, the better it'll lock things in.
And don't underestimate what happens outside of study time. Sleep, hydration, and even small workouts can seriously upgrade how well your brain absorbs information. If you're running on caffeine and late-night cramming, you're basically making your brain work with half its power.
Lastly — try tracking small wins instead of just your final test scores. How many questions can you answer from memory? How long can you study without zoning out? Those little victories might not seem like much at first, but they stack up faster than you think — and they'll show you you're making progress even before your test scores catch up.
You're already putting in the effort — now it's just about tweaking the system until it works for you. Keep experimenting, stay patient, and trust that you'll figure out what clicks! If you have anything to ask or something I missed just hit me up, all the best dear!
Dr recommends the following next steps:
Bright Komor
Nurse
260
Answers
Accra, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Updated
Bright’s Answer
Test anxiety can lead to poor test scores, which can be attributed to various factors such as physical symptoms, mental blocks during tests, the pressure of the test environment, study method mismatch, lack of test-taking skills, recall vs. application, sleep and stress, and sleep deprivation.
To address test anxiety, try deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, visualization, mock tests, and seeking professional help if necessary. Enhance study methods with active recall, teaching the material, problem-solving, concept mapping, and study groups. Develop test-taking skills by practicing timed tests, question analysis, elimination strategy, reviewing answers, knowing test formats, and bridging recall and application through case studies, "What If" scenarios, and higher-order thinking questions.
Optimize sleep and stress management by aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, yoga, or meditation, eating nutritious foods, and taking regular study breaks to avoid burnout. Analyze mistakes by reviewing graded tests, identifying patterns, and seeking feedback from professors or teachers.
Key advice for improving test scores is patience, consistency, proactivity, simulation of the test, and changing your mindset. Be patient, consistent, and proactive in seeking help from professors or tutors if struggling. Practice under test-like conditions and view tests as opportunities to demonstrate knowledge rather than sources of anxiety.
To address test anxiety, try deep breathing exercises, positive self-talk, visualization, mock tests, and seeking professional help if necessary. Enhance study methods with active recall, teaching the material, problem-solving, concept mapping, and study groups. Develop test-taking skills by practicing timed tests, question analysis, elimination strategy, reviewing answers, knowing test formats, and bridging recall and application through case studies, "What If" scenarios, and higher-order thinking questions.
Optimize sleep and stress management by aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night, engaging in stress-reducing activities like exercise, yoga, or meditation, eating nutritious foods, and taking regular study breaks to avoid burnout. Analyze mistakes by reviewing graded tests, identifying patterns, and seeking feedback from professors or teachers.
Key advice for improving test scores is patience, consistency, proactivity, simulation of the test, and changing your mindset. Be patient, consistent, and proactive in seeking help from professors or tutors if struggling. Practice under test-like conditions and view tests as opportunities to demonstrate knowledge rather than sources of anxiety.
Mary Patrice Layaoen
3D Artist
46
Answers
Bakersfield, California
Updated
Mary Patrice’s Answer
Hi, Cindy! It might be helpful to adjust your study routine. If you've been studying in long, uninterrupted sessions, try switching to shorter, more focused intervals. Personally, I find the Pomodoro technique works well for me. This method involves studying for 25 minutes, followed by a 5-minute break. These shorter bursts of focus can help keep you engaged with the material without overwhelming yourself. Taking regular breaks helps the brain process and absorb the information more effectively. The key is consistency. Study more frequently but in smaller, manageable chunks. I hope this helps!