Acing Exams: Tried and Tested Tips from Fundamentals First Edmonton
At Fundamentals First Edmonton, we’ve worked with hundreds of students across Grades 1–12, and if there’s one thing we know for sure—it’s that acing exams isn’t about last-minute cramming. It’s about strategy, consistency, and confidence. Whether you’re prepping for a unit test, a final exam, or a standardized assessment, here are our tried and tested tips to help you walk into that exam room ready to succeed!
📅 1. Start Early, Stay Steady
“Study a little every day” might sound cliché—but it works. Instead of binge-studying the night before, aim to review key topics weekly. This builds long-term memory and reduces stress closer to exam time.
Try this:
Set a mini-goal for each subject every week. For example:
- Monday: Review last week’s math chapter
- Wednesday: Practice 5 science questions
- Friday: Quick quiz on vocabulary words
🧠 2. Use Active Recall, Not Passive Review
Reading notes 10 times won’t help if you’re not actively engaging. Instead, quiz yourself or have a friend ask you questions.
Tools we love:
- Flashcards (physical or on apps like Quizlet)
- Whiteboards for drawing concepts
- Saying answers out loud to check understanding
⏰ 3. Practice Under Timed Conditions
Ever feel like time flies during tests? You’re not alone. Get used to answering questions under pressure by setting timers during practice.
Pro tip: Use old quizzes or create mock exams with a timer set for real exam length. This trains your brain to think quickly and calmly.
📚 4. Study Smart—Know What Matters
Focus on high-yield topics—the ones teachers mention often or that show up in past exams. Don’t get stuck perfecting the one topic that’s only worth 5%.
Ask yourself:
- What types of questions came up last year?
- What topics do I hear my teacher emphasize again and again?
🧘♀️ 5. Take Breaks (Seriously!)
Your brain needs downtime to stay sharp. Study in focused blocks (like 25 minutes on, 5 minutes off, also known as the Pomodoro technique). Stretch, hydrate, or take a short walk during breaks.
Bonus tip: Avoid phones during breaks—they can suck you in for hours.
🍎 6. Fuel Your Brain Right
Good sleep, water, and healthy snacks are underrated. A well-fed, well-rested brain performs way better than one powered by sugar and stress.
Exam day checklist:
✅ Water bottle
✅ Healthy snack (like a banana or granola bar)
✅ A good night’s sleep before the big day
💬 7. Ask for Help—It’s Smart, Not Weak
At Fundamentals First, we always remind students: Questions are a sign of learning, not weakness. Whether it’s a tricky math concept or a confusing word problem, asking for help clears confusion and builds clarity.
Don’t hesitate to:
- Ask your teacher
- Join a group review session
- Visit us for personalized tutoring!
💡 Final Thoughts
Exams can feel intimidating, but with the right strategies, they become stepping stones—not stumbling blocks. At Fundamentals First Edmonton, we believe in preparing students not just to pass, but to excel with confidence.
Need a personalized study plan? Reach out to us—we’re here to help every step of the way.
Photo by energepic.com: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-sitting-in-front-of-macbook-313690/
