Exam preparation

You must be aware of these dates issued in the academic calendar

• assess the volume of work for each subject
• assess your learning capacity for each subject
• assess the time you have to work at home
• take weightings/coefficients into account
• balance out subjects requiring deeper knowledge from the more descriptive branches
• map out your needs over time
• foresee some leeway for the unexpected
• draw up your exam plan and STICK TO IT.

A week is the most practical planning unit

• take stock of progress each Monday
• amend your work plan if needed.

Are some times more conducive to studying?

• No absolute rule
• Follow your natural pace

Aside from individual preferences, a biological rule has it that we may feel tired after lunch (the Mediterranean siesta).

• avoid working non-stop
• foresee pauses to recuperate

The duration of a work session is based on the nature of the task at hand. Make sure to clearly distinguish between work and rest periods.

• Alternation avoids monotony and the sensation of repetitiveness
• Start with the most difficult subject to get rid of it sooner rather than later
• Alternate subjects, but also tasks, e.g. reading a chapter, memorising essential points, repeating exercises, etc.

Getting down to work is the most difficult. Work to be done is more tyring than work behind you. Some tips:

• set how much time you are prepared to spend
• time yourself: a limited period of time is better used
• have your tools at hand to avoid getting confused
• foresee external stimuli for motivation.

• Use the spare time between lectures or on public transport to review your notes or a course, etc.

These small periods amount to several hours a week.

has the following benefits:

• mutual enrichment
• encouraging each other when demotivated
• stimulating each other
• checking one’s own understanding
• sharing out tasks
• preparing for oral exams
• comparing work methods
• opening doors to working life.

Although teamwork complements individual study, you will have to do both.

• There is no numerus clausus
• 50% success in 1st preparatory year
• 20% of failures are attributed to lack of work
• 20% of failures are attributed to lack of basic knowledge