# UTME: How to Revise Effectively in Just One or Few Days

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## Tips for Last Minute Revision on UTME

So you've left all your exam revision to the last minute? Don't worry, we're here to help!

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Whether it's down to extreme procrastination, an uneffective timetable or genuinely unforeseen circumstances, you probably want to learn how to revise effectively and quickly because you've realised your exam is few days away and you're completely unprepared.
While we wouldn't condone leaving all your revision until the final day, we're here to reassure you that all is not lost! It's possible to revise for an exam in a day.

## 1. Wake up early

When you've only got one day to deal with the job in hand, you need to make the most of it.

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You don't want to get up at stupid-o-clock and burn out too early. But, you should set yourself an alarm for a sensible time and aim to start work at around 9am.
After all, you can nap all you want after the exam!

## 2. Choose the right place to revise

The fact is you really won't get much done from your bed.

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As much as we wish it weren't true, you really won't get much done from your bed. We'd love to say otherwise, but it's just a fact.
You'll be a lot more productive in an environment that you associate with working. So, set yourself up at your desk or haul yourself down to the library.

## 3. Create a plan before you start

Planning out your revision will make such a difference.

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You may only have one day, but you'll get much more done if you break it up and work out exactly what you need to know. This approach will be much more effective than just cramming in any old info.
Spend half an hour working out what topics you need to cover and allotting chunks of time for each bit. It might seem like a waste of valuable revision time, but trust us – it'll save you much more time in the long run.

## 4. Refrain from panicking

When doing last-minute revision, try not to panic.

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You still have plenty of time to digest information and come out of the other side smiling, and a positive can-do attitude will go a long way!
And don't worry if you're feeling the pressure – it's perfectly natural. Remember it's possible to beat the exam stress with these great tips.

## 5. Use Revsion Notes and Past Papers

Revision notes and past papers are both great ways to work out what's likely to come up in the exam, so make use of them.

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Once you've worked out what's probably going to come up, head to the textbooks to jot down key notes on each area. Look out for chapter summaries and key information boxes for a more succinct read.
You can also use past papers to test your knowledge. You don't necessarily need to answer them all in full, but you can write quick plans of how you'd approach them.

## 6. Study without technology and social media

As tough as it may seem, opting for a day without your phone, laptop or tablet will help you to study for your exam.

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Writing things down (as opposed to typing) can help you focus and process the info. This will also keep you away from the procrastination devil that is social media.
Don't think you can manage it? Use pop-corn, biscuit, chin-chin and lots more just to avoid your phone.

## 7. Re-read your subject notebooks and highlight

This is where your hard work earlier in the year will hopefully pay off.

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As an added bonus, cues you've jotted down in lectures should hopefully trigger more info from the depths of your brain.
You don't have a huge amount of time on your hands (after all, this is a guide on how to revise quickly). So if something isn't jogging your memory, it may be worth coming back to it if you have spare time later on.

## 8. Use memory tricks

Sometimes, sitting down and reading the lecture slides just isn't enough. Instead, you might need to turn to some more... unusual ways of making things stick.

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We're not suggesting that you turn your notes into a full-blown musical to help you revise. However, rhymes, funny anecdotes and mnemonics will help you to remember key facts and phrases.
It might feel a little bit like primary school, but if it helps you remember, who cares? Don't work hard, work smart (... ok, work hard too).

## 9. Take breaks between each subject

As weird as it sounds, learning how to revise quickly actually involves learning to take a break.

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You need to rest your eyes and your brain, as not only will this help you process what you've just read, but it'll also give you a moment to recharge and avoid burning out.
When taking a break, it's a good opportunity to grab a quick bite to eat. And, if you're experiencing withdrawal symptoms, quickly take a look on your phone. And we mean quickly.
Post a mandatory "I hate revision. I can't wait until it's all over" on your WhatsApp or facebook status, laugh at some student memes and then return to your study.
And it's worth setting a timer to let you know when to get back to work.

## 10. Review each topic

When you return from each break, review the topic you've just learned to ensure you understand everything.

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If there's something important that you can't get your head around, try using a different source to study it. Sometimes our brains process things better when explained from a different angle.
When you're satisfied that you understand the main points and aren't just kidding yourself, go on to your next topic.

## 11. Revise the next topic

Apply the previous steps to every topic until you have everything covered.

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Learning to revise quickly is really just a simple process of writing, condensing, taking a break, reviewing and then moving on to the next topic. Easy peasy.
Aim to have all your material covered by 10pm at the very latest – you need to sleep! You can then spend a few hours absorbing the information from your simple one-page flashcards.

## 12. Prepare yourself for the exam

When you return from each break, review the topic you've just learned to ensure you understand everything.

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If there's something important that you can't get your head around, try using a different source to study it. Sometimes our brains process things better when explained from a different angle.
When you're satisfied that you understand the main points and aren't just kidding yourself, go on to your next topic.

## 13. Prepare yourself for the exam

Get ready and prepare your bag for the exam the night before – exam documents, money, whatever else you need.

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Even set out what you're going to wear the next day so you're 100% ready.
This is really important as it can save you a lot of stress on the morning of the exam. And, of course, it'll also give you an extra 10 minutes in bed in the morning. This is especially useful given that tip 15 involves an early start...

## 14. Sleep well

GNo matter how stressed you feel, make sure to get some good quality shut-eye for at least six hours.

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If you're having trouble sleeping, remind yourself that, at this point, sleep is more important than endlessly cramming. Exhaustion won't help you perform and your brain needs time to process all the things you've been revising the day before.

## 15. Exam Day: Wake up earlier than usual

Make sure you get up a little earlier than you need to so you can go over your notes.

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EAnd before you enter the exam room, avoid talking to other people about what you've studied. It could undo all of the work you've done to manage your exam stress as you might feel you've done less than everyone else, or missed out some topics.
Ultimately, there's nothing more you can do at this point. It's better to go in full of confidence and do your best.

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