SMART: Survival Tips for DevCom Exams

Firstly, these tips are for those who have short-term memory. Just to share with you, I was diagnosed with depression last year and I had to take meds, which eventually resulted into poor information retention as its side effects. It is quite hard, especially you’re in the University of the Philippines. But there’s no need to be afraid! I did survive and you, too, can make it!

Now, I don’t know if these will work for you but I just wanted to help those who are just like me. Even if we aren’t like those who are good at memorizing stuffs, all we need to remember in preparing for DevCom exams are these SMART tips.

S – Scribble down notes while you are on lecture classes.

Since we are not good in retaining information in our heads for a long time, we must not waste time during discussions. While listening to the lecture professor, take down important notes. I suggest you take down notes through writing and not through picture taking. Research shows that note taking improves focus and alertness.

You can click here to learn more about its benefits!

M – Make use of the time wisely.

We may not be good at recalling things but that does not mean we only have to review our notes an hour before the exam. It will still be beneficial for us to read the lessons every night. We may not be able to recall everything but at least, as we review the night or a day before the exam it will only be a refreshing of key notes and definitions.

A – Ask for help if you need it.

For people like me who finds it hard to remember concepts for an upcoming test, I think you too will find it easier when you are reviewing with your friends. You can discuss or exchange questions. We cannot perfectly take down notes during discussions or we do not have techniques to remember things. But since we have friends, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Besides, it’s also an opportunity for you to know who your real friends are, because true friends will help you, no matter what the odds are!

R – Remember to eat before taking the exam.

I swear. This is one of the most important things to remember. I understand that we need a lot of time to review for the exam since we are short-term memory learners. But if you will not spare time for eating, you will find it hard to focus if ever your tummy will ache during the exam. Instead of thinking about the answers, I bet you’ll end up thinking about McDonald’s hot fudge sundae with burger and fries. You wouldn’t risk your scores for being hungry, would you?

T – Take time to rest.

According to research, sleep deprivation affects our mental health. Therefore, if you do not take care of your sleeping hours, you are more likely to have problems with concentration and focus. You do not need to risk your health to achieve high scores on exam. Remember that you are important more than anything else. So, I repeat: Take time to rest.

To finally end, I wanted to leave a friendly reminder. We do not need to aim to be the best students. What we should be aiming for is to learn. And if ever you fail, it’s okay. As long as you do your best and learned from your mistakes, you are not a failure.