What study techniques work best when cramming for an exam?
When cramming for an exam, effective study techniques can maximize retention and understanding in a short time. Active recall is a top method: instead of passively rereading notes, test yourself with flashcards, practice questions, or by covering answers and trying to recall them. This strengthens neural connections, making information easier to retrieve during the exam. Create quick flashcards for key terms, formulas, or concepts, focusing on high-yield topics likely to appear, as indicated by syllabi or past papers.
Another powerful technique is summarizing material in your own words. Write brief explanations of complex concepts or create concise cheat sheets. Teaching the material to a friend or even an imaginary audience forces you to clarify your understanding and identify gaps. For visual learners, sketching diagrams, mind maps, or flowcharts can condense information into memorable formats, especially for subjects like biology or history. If the exam involves calculations, practice solving problems under timed conditions to build speed and accuracy.
Mnemonics and memory aids are critical when cramming. Create acronyms, rhymes, or vivid mental images to anchor key facts. For example, associate historical dates with personal events to make them stick. The Feynman Technique explaining concepts simply as if to a child also helps solidify understanding quickly.
Space out review sessions using the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused study, 5-minute breaks) to maintain concentration and avoid burnout. In the final hours, prioritize reviewing summaries or flashcards rather than diving into new material. Before sleep, quickly revisit key points, as your brain consolidates information overnight. Avoid distractions like social media, and stay hydrated to keep your mind sharp. These targeted techniques, grounded in cognitive science, ensure you absorb and recall critical information efficiently, even under tight exam deadlines.