Exam preparation

What subjects do you need to focus on? What are the key concepts you need to have understood or memorized? Define your schedule and priorities before you start.

Based on the grades you need to achieve and the weight of your credits, define the percentage of time to dedicate to each subject. Sometimes you need to be strategic, rather than aiming for perfection.

You can download a revision planning template here.

Start each revision session with a clear plan. What do you want to have understood or retained by the end? Clarifying your objectives will help you to be more motivated and efficient.

You can also break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable units.

Your zone of genius is that time of day when you’re naturally the most focused and motivated, and when you move forward with fluidity.

What time is it for you? Are you most effective early in the morning, between 10 and 12:00, in the late afternoon or in the evening?

Working in your zone of genius is not only more pleasant, it’s also much more efficient. You can use your genius zone to tackle the most complex tasks, and use the off-peak periods for the easiest tasks or subjects.

Take this into account now, by planning to alternate subjects and activities (reading, memorizing, exercises, mock exams…) to keep you sharp and alert throughout your revision time.

We can concentrate effectively for between 40 and 50 minutes. What’s more, memorizing information requires a lot of energy, so it’s advisable to take regular breaks to avoid saturation. Try the Pomodoro technique:

• 25 minutes focus, 5 minutes break. This keeps your attention focused and prevents overwork.
• And every 4 sessions, take a 20-30 minute break.

For the lunch break, give yourself at least an hour to regain your strength, nourish your body and brain and be efficient throughout the day.

Your workspace is like your brain: the clearer it is, the more efficient it is. Keep around you only what you need to move forward. Fewer distractions = more concentration, and that changes everything.

Sit down in a quiet place, turn off your smartphone and any notifications, and keep only what you need to work.

Working in a group is more than an alternative to solo work: it’s a real source of energy. We help each other, motivate each other, check that we’ve understood, prepare for orals and discover other ways of solving a problem. Alone, we may go faster, but together, we often go further!

No brain at its best without rest! A good night’s sleep consolidates memory, regulates mood and boosts concentration. Even in the midst of exams, sleep at set times as much as possible.

A brisk walk, a workout, a few stretches… Getting moving helps to relieve stress and boost your energy. Sport is like a natural pharmacy. It boosts your mood, energy and self-confidence, and helps you sleep better. And all without a prescription!

Prefer simple but nourishing meals, avoid sugar peaks, hydrate regularly… Your brain needs real nutrients to function properly!

Take 5 minutes to breathe deeply, meditate or simply stop. These are quick, easy and free ways to naturally reduce your stress levels and recharge your batteries.

You can take the pressure off by taking advantage of the courses on offer at EPFL:

• Guided meditation
• Yoga / Qi-Gong / Mindfulness, etc…

As simple as it may sound, breathing is a powerful way of regulating and calming the nervous system. There are many smartphone applications: Respirelax+, Petit Bambou, Calm, Headspace…

Think of positive affirmations. For example, if you say to yourself “I’ll never make it”, remove the negative word from your sentence and experience the positive energy you can get from a phrase like “I can do it”.

Studying for exams is like running a marathon, and positive visualization can help. For example, by mentally replaying the scene where you’re taking an exam, imagining yourself relaxed and answering questions with ease.

You’re not alone. Talk to your peers, ask for help, have a good laugh… it takes the pressure off and boosts morale.

A series, a bath, a drawing, a podcast… It doesn’t matter what you choose, just do it for yourself. A little pleasure a day = a good mental balance.

• Generally speaking, I feel good. I manage to complete my work, organize my time, think ahead to what I have to do next, etc.
• I keep moving with regular physical activity.
• I spend time hanging out with friends and just having fun.
• I eat healthy – vegetables, fruit and protein – and at regular hours. I drink enough water and stay hydrated.
• I get enough sleep for my personal needs. I go to bed and get up at regular hours.
• I put reasonable limits on my consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and video games.
• I take care of my personal hygiene every day.
• I keep my living space (room or apartment) clean and organized.

• Absence from classes, seminars, practical and group work, etc.
• Drop in the quality of work handed in.
• Difficulty concentrating or maintaining focus.
• Difficulty organizing your time, making plans and sticking to them. Frequent procrastination.
• Feeling easily frustrated or irritated.
• Often feeling anxious or stressed.
• Feeling discouraged easily, more often and for longer than usual.
• Changes in social habits: little or no contact with friends and family, loneliness, withdrawing into yourself, etc.
• Appetite issues: weight gain or loss, irregular mealtimes, etc.
• Trouble sleeping: difficulty falling asleep, waking up frequently during the night, irregular sleep patterns, etc.
• Neglecting to take care of yourself and your living space.