As someone who has been studying math for well over a decade of my life, I can certainly tell that math isn’t an easy subject. Math can be tough – no need to sugar-code it. Still, there’re always students who despite the complex nature of math, still manage to achieve awesome grades. How do they do it?

Well, the secret lies in your study approach and how you prepare for exams. Preparing for a math exam can be daunting, but with the right strategies and resources, you can set yourself up for success.

I collaborated with my very good friend, Don L’Amour, who also happens to be a brilliant Civil Engineering student, to write this blog post which will reveal to you a tried-and-tested approach on how to prepare for maths exams. Combining Don’s methods with mine, this guide is designed to help you approach your math exams with confidence.

The Importance of Preparation

Effective preparation is the cornerstone of success in any academic endeavor, particularly in mathematics. A study by the American Psychological Association highlights that structured preparation not only enhances confidence but also significantly improves performance.

By thoroughly understanding the exam format, mastering key concepts, and developing robust problem-solving skills, you are better equipped to handle the demands of a math exam.

How to Prepare for Maths Exams: A Strategic Approach

Don’s approach is both structured and efficient, leveraging the 20/80 rule, which posits that 80% of results come from 20% of the work. Here is his step-by-step guide to preparing for a math exam:

Strategic Revision: The 20/80 Rule

The 20/80 rule emphasizes focusing on the most impactful actions. By identifying and concentrating on the key areas, you can maximize your exam performance with less effort. This approach involves ranking topics into three tiers based on their importance and your familiarity with them.

Tiered Topic Ranking

1. Red Tier: High Priority Topics

The red tier includes topics you are least familiar with or need to learn thoroughly. These are critical and should be addressed first. Think about those crazy topics that always leave you confused and frustrated, those that make you hate studying. Identify them and write them down.

Study Strategy:

• Phase One: Study the Theory

When it comes to studying math, the assumption is usually that math is a ‘calculations only’ subject. But this is not only untrue, it is also misleading. This is because you need to first grasp the theory part of whatever math concept you’re dealing with, to be better suited to answer the very challenging questions.

Without a stable foundation, whatever calculations you’re doing is just a product of cram work, which by now you should know is a very ineffective study habit. Learn the theoretical concepts using various resources such as YouTube, consultations with lecturers, and practice questions.

• Phase Two: Do Practice Questions

Math is a practical subject, so just reading and understanding the concept is not enough. You need to demonstrate understanding by testing yourself. How do you do this? By answering questions.

Aim to understand at least three pivotal questions per topic to grasp the core concepts. Achieve at least a 70% understanding before moving on.

2. Orange Tier: Intermediate Topics

The orange tier covers topics you once understood and were very comfortable answering questions on, but need a refresher on. They are concepts that may be half-remembered from previous semesters or tests.

Study Strategy:

• Review: Use examples with solutions from your textbook or notebook to refresh your memory. Typically, three well-chosen examples will be sufficient.
• Supplement: If necessary, watch tutorial videos on YouTube for additional clarity. This is highly recommended for most topics.

I have a blog post with a collection of great Educational YouTube channels for students. I will constantly update and expand the list to include many more channels for your consideration. If you feel there’s a channel missing on the list, you can message me to recommend it, I will really appreciate it.

3. Green Tier: Low Priority Topics

This tier consists of topics you are confident in, with at least a 70% understanding. Ideally, you’d want to have as many topics under this tier as possible. The longer the list the greater your chances for success. And as you study the red and orange tiers, you may move them over to this green tier for final polishing.

Study Strategy:

• Past Papers: Focus on solving past paper questions. Aim to complete at least two comprehensive past papers, ensuring you deeply understand how each question is solved.

According to Don, there’s really no need to try completing 10 or more past question papers IF you’re already confident about your understanding of the material. This is partly because the syllabus from 10 years ago would probably great differ from the current year’s. Also, think about it, isn’t it just a waste of time doing 10+ question papers, when you could be using that time to do something more productive?

It’s much more productive to seek out more challenging questions directly from your lecturer or from the textbook.

10 Additional Tips on How to Prepare for Maths Exam

1. Analyze Previous Exams

Familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern is important. It helps you identify the structure, the weightage assigned to various topics, and the overall format. By analyzing this pattern, you can allocate your study time to focus on high-weightage areas, thus optimizing your preparation.

Recognize the different types of questions that commonly appear in past exams. Knowing these types allows you to tailor your practice sessions accordingly and focus more on practicing the types of questions which are more prominent in the exam.

Dedicate practice sessions to simulating exam-like conditions. This will help you evaluate your performance objectively, identify strengths and weaknesses, and focus on areas that need improvement. Consider enrolling in coaching programs that provide expert guidance and additional practice.

2. Master the Use of a Calculator

Some math exams do not allow the use of calculators but others do. If your professors permit using calculators, then proficiency with your calculator is essential. Practice using it efficiently and ensure you are familiar with all its functions. You will be surprised at how much time this can save you.

While calculators are useful, developing strong mental arithmetic skills is equally important. Avoid relying on your calculator too much. Train your brain to solve simple math problems without the calculator, this will save time which is very valuable in any exam.

3. Utilize Available Resources

Textbooks and Study Guides:

Textbooks and study guides provide structured content and practice problems aligned with your syllabus. Dedicate specific time slots for focused studying of these materials, and take short breaks to maintain productivity.

Online Platforms:

Utilize online platforms like Khan Academy, and YouTube, which offer extensive databases of past exam questions and video tutorials to clarify complex concepts.

Study Groups:

Forming study groups can be beneficial as it allows for collaborative learning. Working alongside peers can help you understand concepts you might find challenging and keep you motivated. I have written a much more comprehensive article where I discuss 5 compelling reasons why you should join a math study group to boost your grades.

Tutoring Services:

If you struggle with certain topics, consider seeking help from tutoring services. Tutors can provide personalized guidance and explain difficult concepts, helping you address weak areas early on. Of course, this will depend on whether you can afford these services or not. If you can’t afford a one-on-one tutor, consider group sessions which are usually cheaper.

As of June 2024, Don is a part time private tutor for many STEM subjects including math. He is dedicated to helping students achieve awesome grades. You can check out his website at chimhandatutoring.com.

4. Create a Study Schedule

Organizing your study time effectively is crucial for thorough preparation and to avoid last-minute cramming. Here’s a brief overview of how you can create an efficient study schedule:

• Prioritize Topics: Use Don’s tier system (Red, Orange, Green) to prioritize your study sessions. Allocate more time to Red Tier topics and gradually less to Orange and Green Tiers.
• Dedicated Slots: Break down your study time into dedicated slots for each topic. Ensure each session has a clear objective, such as understanding a specific concept or solving a set number of problems.
• Regular Revision: Schedule regular revision sessions to reinforce what you’ve learned. This helps in retaining information better.
• Include Breaks: Incorporate short breaks between study sessions to maintain focus and avoid strain. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) can be very effective.
• Flexibility: Allow some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate unexpected challenges or additional time needed for unanticipated difficult topics.

For a more indepth guide on how to craft an effective study schedule check out this blog post: How to craft an effective study time table.

5. Study Smart, Not Hard

Efficiency in studying is more important than the volume of material you study. Here’s how to study smarter:

• Focus on Understanding: Prioritize understanding concepts over memorizing. When you understand the underlying principles, you can apply them to various problems.
• Active Learning Techniques: Engage in active learning by solving problems, explaining concepts aloud, and testing yourself regularly.
• Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to thoroughly understand a few topics than to skim through many without proper comprehension.

Recommended Reading: Study Smarter Not Harder: 9 Eye-Opening Tips For Students!

6. Engage with the Material

Active engagement with study material is key to deeper understanding and retention. Here are some effective techniques:

• Summarize Information: After studying a topic, write a summary in your own words. This reinforces understanding and makes it easier to review later. Your summary could be in the form of simple outlines, formulas, theorems, axioms, laws etc. that are relevant to the study material.
• Create Flashcards: Use flashcards for important formulas, and concepts. Flashcards are great for quick reviews and self-testing.
• Mind Mapping: Create mind maps to visualize relationships between different concepts. This technique helps in seeing the bigger picture and connecting ideas. Might not be very applicable for every math topic, but do use it where possible.
• Teach Others: Apply the Feynman Technique. Try explaining concepts to a friend or in a study group. Teaching is a powerful way to reinforce your own understanding.

7. Seek Help When Needed

Don’t hesitate to ask for assistance when you encounter difficulties. Here’s how to make the most of available resources:

• Teachers and Tutors: Schedule sessions with your Professors or tutors for personalized guidance on challenging topics.
• Study Groups: Join or form study groups where you can collaborate with classmates. Discussing problems and solutions with peers can provide new insights and clarify doubts.

8. Develop a Positive Mindset

Maintaining a positive attitude is crucial for optimal performance. Here’s how to cultivate a positive mindset:

• Confidence Building: Remind yourself of the preparation and hard work you’ve put in. Confidence can significantly impact your performance.
• Stress Management: Practice stress management techniques like deep breathing, visualization, or mindfulness to stay calm and focused. Before and during the exam.
• Positive Affirmations: Use positive affirmations to boost your confidence and reduce anxiety.

Recommended Reading: 10 Powerful Stress Management Techniques for Students and Developing a Resilient Growth Mindset: A Student’s Guide

9. Get Adequate Sleep Before the Exam

A well-rested mind performs significantly better. Here’s how to ensure you get enough sleep:

• Consistent Sleep Schedule: Establish a consistent sleep routine at least a week before the exam.
• Avoid Cramming: Instead of staying up late to cram, review your summaries and flash cards and go to bed early.
• Relaxation Techniques: Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to calm your mind before sleeping. Make sure you actually sleep, don’t think too much about the exam.

10. Exam Taking Tips

Your attitude and effective time management during the exam is crucial for completing all questions and minimizing errors. Here’s how to make the most of your exam time:

Time Buffers: Aim to finish the exam 15 minutes early. Use this buffer time to review your answers and correct any mistakes.

Key Takeaways

• Start Early: Begin your preparation early to understand key concepts and formulas effectively.
• Regular Practice: Consistently practice solving various math problems to enhance problem-solving skills and speed.
• Utilize Resources: Leverage textbooks, online platforms, study groups, and educational apps for comprehensive learning.
• Address Weak Areas: Identify and focus on weak areas early using targeted practice and seeking help.
• Structured Schedule: Create a structured study schedule that includes regular revision and breaks to maintain focus and avoid burnout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Combining Don’s strategic revision approach with the 10 additional tips we end up with a comprehensive and effective strategy for math exam preparation.

This structured and tiered approach on how to prepare for maths exams, coupled with practical exam-taking strategies, offers a clear path to excelling in math. By focusing on high-impact areas, utilizing available resources, and maintaining a calm demeanor, you can significantly improve your performance.

Incorporating these tips into your study routine will undoubtedly enhance your preparation and help you achieve your academic goals.

Start implementing these strategies today to transform your study routine and boost your math grades in math. Share these insights with your classmates to create a supportive study community.

Remember, success is within your reach with the enough preparation and the right mindset.

All the Best!