Some study tips from an exam rookie - www.baileythompson.ca

It's called studying — a task all students have to do, but not something most of us enjoy.

Why? It's unwanted extra work, pressure and stress. At the same time, it makes you feel good.

With high school exams starting at the end of January, the thought of studying is one that most teenagers wish they could ignore. Myself included. But lets face it; we all have to do it sometime.

This will be my first time taking high school exams. I'll admit I'm nervous. I've never had to study this hard for something. But at the same time, I'm excited, it's a new experience and it marks the end of this semester.

Even with positive thoughts, it doesn't stop me thinking of how much studying I'm going to have to do to get there. I plan to do what I'm recommending most people do, be prepared. Make enough time to cover all of the material and let it sink in.

Something I've always done when studying for tests, which seems to work, is to review the notes, work on them and allow your brain process it. But as you're studying, you need to be comfortable and relaxed. Tense and angry just makes things worse and take longer.

That method will work, but with so much material, it's hard to just do that. So my plan for exams is make notes for everything I've covered in each class. When it gets closer to the date, I would the notes to be finished, and have the chance to test myself.

Cramming is definitely something that should not be done, especially for big tests like exams. Students need to give themselves enough time to understand all the material. Cramming also causes students to rush and miss important information they could be tested on. Pretest anxiety is another thing students should try to avoid. Although it's natural, it should be kept at a minimum. Students who are prepared for tests shouldn't get too anxious about it. Having a lot of anxiety can suggest a student isn't ready and should study more. Too much anxiety can decrease the student's performance in the test, whereas positive thoughts and confidence can help lead to success.

We all need to take care of ourselves. But before a test, it's even more important. Getting good sleep and eating well before the test helps energize the body and brain, which results in clearer thoughts and correct answers.

The best part of the whole experience is that once it's done, you're done. Students won't have to do those exams ever again. Not only that, students get a number of non-school days following the exams. Not to mention, when they go back to school, it's a whole new beginning. All of the classes are different and they can start fresh.

Sure, when the next semester is nearly done, students generally repeat the same process. But at least this one will be over!

For more articles written by student columnist Bailey Thompson, visit www.baileythompson.ca.