Have you finalised your resolutions for 2024? All of them? Or just the ones about eating less, exercising more, reading better (any) books? As the hazy fog of our New Year’s celebrations begins to clear, as we pack away the forgotten party poppers, many minds turn wanly to the year ahead. We start to visualise the various challenges, deadlines and potential booby-traps that lie in wait, lurking just out of view, beyond the horizon of the bleak midwinter landscape that stretches pointedly through this austere and gloomy January.
But it doesn’t have to be like this. As we bid adieu to the old year and embrace the new, now is the perfect time to throw open the windows, declutter our homes, lives and minds, and stride with confidence into the golden dawn, the brave new world, of … the biggest exam year of our lives (yet – there really will be more…).
Indeed, there is no better time to steal a headstart on your exams and lay the foundations for academic success. We at BPT would strongly recommend the following tried-and-trusted strategies, which will stand you in good stead come crunchtime in late spring:
Plan Plan Plan – New Year is a great opportunity for proper planning. Take a proactive approach to exam preparation, empower yourself and alleviate the stress that often characterises exam season. Take the time to craft a clear, comprehensive revision plan. Work out everything you need to cover, estimate how long it will all take and assess when you can realistically cover the ground in your busy academic, extra-curricular, family and social schedules. By breaking down each subject or topic into manageable segments, and allocating specific study / revision periods for each, you will enable consistent, focused preparation that will yield the best results. You can thus immerse yourself fully in – and so better absorb – your studies. Remember, the goal is not only to cover the material but to truly understand and digest it. A well-defined plan is the first step in this direction.
Start Now (if you haven’t already) – You may not have finished everything at school, completed all the texts and elements of the syllabus, but you can start consolidating, noting and re-reading what you have already covered. Such advance work will be invaluable: now is the one time when you are unburdened by school, mocks, exam stress.
Create the Right Environment – Equally important is the creation of a conducive study environment. Whether it is a quiet corner in the library, a cozy corner at home or a bustling café, find a space that fosters concentration and minimises distractions. You can even become an academic nomad, picking the right place depending on your mood. However, it is vital that, wherever you are working, you create the right conditions to really immerse yourself in your studies and maximise the productivity of these sessions.
Establish Good Habits – When drawing up your resolutions for the new year, make a point of incorporating positive habits that will complement your studies. Many students like to commit to regular study sessions; others seek out additional resources to deepen their understanding of the material; and almost all successful students adopt effective note-taking techniques. By integrating these small, consistent habits into your daily routine, you can go a long way towards laying the necessary foundations for academic success.
Look After Number One – Another aspect of exam preparation often overlooked is the significance of self-care and prioritising your well-being. Set aside significant time for physical exercise, nourishing meals, fresh air, social interaction, restful sleep, unstructured downtime, and reading for pleasure and leisure. Also build in regular and structured work breaks throughout your day, as well as fun things to look forward to. A healthy body and mind are key to ensuring that you are in peak condition to tackle the academic challenges that lie ahead. Indeed, caring for your own well-being is not a luxury but a real necessity.
Embrace Collaboration – Notwithstanding the importance of self-care, for many the journey of exam preparation is not one to be embarked upon in isolation. Find revision buddies or groups, and engage in discussions with fellow students as you endeavour to strengthen your grasp of the academic material. This collaborative approach not only affords you the opportunity to benefit from diverse perspectives and insights, but also prompts you to articulate your knowledge, reinforcing your comprehension in the process. Our BPT tutors have long used this interactive and collaborative approach in our tutorials to help our students consolidate their understanding and critical thinking skills.
Ask for Help – when you encounter challenging concepts or require additional clarification, approach your friends, classmates, parents and definitely your teachers… But also seek help from academic tutors. In the pursuit of academic success, there is undeniable merit in seeking support and guidance: embracing a spirit of curiosity and a proactive approach to acquiring knowledge will enrich your understanding, bolster your confidence and prepare you for academic success. Our BPT tutors accurately and sensitively tailor our advice, assistance and academic instruction specifically to students’ needs; we are also proud that our Oxford and Cambridge graduate tutors are experts in their fields and best-placed to help you succeed; and we believe strongly in building a rapport with our students, listening to their needs and inspiring them to be the very best versions of themselves.
So, as you set your sights on the new year and the exams that lie ahead, we at BPT would urge you to strike while the Christmas tree lights are still up, when people are least expecting it, seize the initiative and steal a headstart on your exam preparation. We promise that you will not regret it, however daunting a task it may seem at this time of year. And we remain available to guide, advise and assist all willing students at any stage of their exam preparation.
In the meantime, we wish everyone a happy, healthy and successful 2024 ahead!
Yours sincerely,
Robert Finch