How To Revise

A*

It's almost time to start exams and June is approaching fast, here are my top 10 tips for revising!

1. Find a clear space. I know how hard this can be as I live with my family and everyone's stuff is always in the other peoples' way, so just try your best. If you have a desk you are certainly set to start revising straight away, if not, a kitchen table or even a foldaway table will suffice!
2. Music or no music? How do you work? Do you prefer to work with background noise, or without? Do what's best for you, and don't be afraid to let the other people in the same room as you to keep it down; these exams are more important than 'The Simpsons'.
3. Keep a glass of water near. You need to keep hydrated whilst revising; I'm well aware of how revision can carry you from early morning to mid afternoon without eating or drinking. That's why keeping a snack and drink handy will help you stay fuelled and healthy.
4. Split up your day. I'm sure you know, but 8 hours of straight revision isn't as good as 6 hours with four half an hour breaks to split it up. If you revise from past papers, do a past paper, mark it, watch an episode of your favourite TV show, go for a walk or call a friend and take a break before going back.
5. Revision timetable. If you find it hard to get motivated, a timetable is for you. Write it out and repeat weekly and STICK to it. It's easy to stray from it but routine is good and will help you feel motivated as you'll be trying to fulfil the timetable by doing the work.
6. Use colours. Making your work look pretty is immensly satisfying and if you use your favourite colours to re-write notes and plan essays, somewhere in your brain, a neuron smiles and you've suddenly remembered it!
7. Sleep at a reasonable time. If you get tired and stressed easily, make sure you stop revising at a certain time every night. We're all different and some of us work best at 10pm, but most become weary at that time and need sleep. I usually stop at 9pm and take an hour to rest before retiring at 10pm; that works best for me.
8. Aim high. Your target might be a B... but why stop there? You're capable of an A. Just because your teachers label your capability does not mean it's capped. The power's in your hands.
9. Revise the hard parts. Twice. You find algebra easier than... well... pi. (Bad joke, sorry!) Then revise trigonometry, you hate it! You don't know what a tan is or what it does. So learn. And then re-revise. Go back, make it stick.
10. Count down to exams. That nervous butterfly feeling in your stomach is your brain kicking you. You're panicking and it's good; it means you care. If you're not panicking, even better! Make a count down and check it every couple of days or every day if you're an eager beaver. This will give you a reality check and will help you plan your revision.

I can't tell you how to revise; everyone does it differently. Personally, for maths for example, I like doing past papers. For media, it's all about essay planning and re-writing notes. For english, it's re-reading the novel.

Procrastinating is easy. Revision is not. It's up to you whether you want to achieve and get that happy feeling from getting good results or procrastinate and feel upset with bad results. 

Good luck in all your exams! You'll ace them!