When you get a paper cut, what’s your first move? You reach for a first-aid kit, put on a band-aid and bam — you’re back in action! First aid kits are an essential tool when it comes to physical wellness, ready to rescue in a pinch. But what about when it’s exam season and your mind is the one that could use some aid? Where’s the kit for that?
To my fellow Georgetown students, namely underclassmen, I have compiled for you an Exam Season Survival Kit with three essential study tips and tricks from upperclassmen on how to excel during exam season! I posted a QR code to an anonymous Google Form in Lau and asked respondents to “Drop your best exam season study tips!”
Georgetown students delivered and upwards of 20 students shared some of their best study tips, all of which are included in a data visualization at the end of this article. Whether it’s your first time taking college exams or you’re a seasoned pro, I hope these tips help you step up your study game!
Tip #1: Music, music and more music!
In a poll asking Georgetown students for their best exam season study hacks, 44% of respondents mentioned utilizing music to destress and make study sessions a little more enjoyable.
A few notable responses include…
Per one senior, their best study hack is listening to “‘Melophobia’ album by Cage the
Elephant, on loop!”
One sophomore advised “listen to the ‘UP’ soundtrack and feel like you’re levitating!”
Another sophomore says they like to “loop ‘Pink Pony Club’ by Chappell Roan,” because it’s “surprisingly great for memorization when I’m in the trenches.” (This last one may be unconventional, but hey, if it ain’t broke…)
A recent study from the University of Maryland actually agrees that, yes, listening to music is a tool which can improve concentration and memorization while studying. So Hoyas, grab your headphones!
Tip #2: Quizlet!
Shockingly, 22% of poll respondents made mention of using Quizlet Plus as a study tool. It makes sense — Quizlet is a wonderful resource which gives students a place to make online flashcards, test their knowledge and play matching games to memorize concepts quickly.
The extent to which Georgetown students love using Quizlet is best reflected in one student’s response:
“I quit therapy to pay for Quizlet plus!!”
I personally don’t condone quitting therapy…but if you’ve never tried Quizlet, it seems to be well-loved and well-worth the investment!
Tip #3: Connect with your faith!
Georgetown is a university with a place for students of all faith backgrounds, and we would be so remiss to ignore the wealth of spiritual resources made available to us on campus! Many students find peace, refreshment and hope in their faith, which was even reflected in the study hacks poll.
Per one respondent:
“Jesus brings me peace during stressful exam seasons! Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.”
So, crack open your Bible, take a prayer walk or maybe attend an on-campus worship service! You may find it’s just the refreshing breath of fresh air you need to find peace and calm during the craziness of exam season!
Good luck Hoyas! I know everyone is gonna do great!
