Having to resit an exam is not on anyone’s summer bucket list. However, for one reason or another, lots of college students find themselves in this position. Studying for resits isn’t fun but it doesn’t have to ruin your summer. Read on for tips on how to study for resits in the most effective and efficient way possible so you don’t have to sacrifice any more of your summer than necessary.
Mindset
First of all you’ll need a mindset shift. You might be having all sorts of negative thoughts around resits. Disappointment, frustration, guilt…don’t let these negative emotions swallow up your summer fun. It’s a shame you have to resit exams but it does NOT mean that you’re a failure in any way.
Don’t beat yourself up
It’s bad enough studying for resits during summer without having your inner critic yapping constantly at you. Forgive yourself and move on. Lots of people have to retake exams in college. College exams are really challenging, there’s nothing wrong with repeating an exam.
Believe in Yourself
Your exam results from this year in no way predict how you’ll do in resits. If you want to pass resits, you will. Don’t let fear of failure stop you from even trying. You can get through resits and you will.
Plan
The amount of information may feel overwhelming but trust me, you can get through this. Figure out how much you need to study and then break it into chunks.
Your study doesn’t have to take over your summer. If you plan your study strategically you can ace resits and have a great summer. Block out separate time for study and for enjoying the holidays.
Study Space
More along the lines of separating study from summer break, if possible set up a study space away from where you relax. Whether it be a library, a particular coffee shop or just a different corner of your room. This way when you’re studying you can be fully in the zone and when you’re enjoying summer you can be free from those burdening thoughts of study.
Supports
Feel free to reach out to family, friends, counsellors and college supports. There are lots of people who would be happy to help you out. If you need help finding your feet with study, your college might have study resources or you can check out my study tips here.
If you’re going through a difficult time please seek professional help. Your family doctor or college counselling service will be happy to support you through anything you’re dealing with.
Make Studying Fun(ish)
Don’t let study spoil your summer fun. Here’s some ideas for how to make study less miserable;
- Collaborate with friends. If you know others who are in the same boat as you, join forces and study together. Even if some of your friends are away during summer you can still host joint study sessions & chats over Zoom/FaceTime etc.
- Use study tools you enjoy. Endlessly reading and rewriting pages of notes would bring anyone to tears but some free flashcard apps and YouTube videos can actually be kind of enjoyable if you find the right ones for you. Click here for my favourite med school study resources!
Keep your cool
On the day of the exam, rise above the pressure. You’ve worked for these exams, all you can do now is stay calm and write what you know. Whether it be breathing exercises or a lucky pencil, tap into whatever coping techniques you need to keep your cool during the exams.
Summary
- Make a plan of action – block out time for study and time for enjoying your summer
- Have a study space away from where you relax
- Find a support group – join forces with other students who are repeating exams and take advantage of college supports
- Pace yourself – don’t go all hard core at the beginning only to burn out midway through July but at the same time try not to leave everything till the last minute either. Space out your study in manageable chunks
- Find resources that make study a bit more fun – study groups, study help YouTube channels, online flashcards, quizzes etc
- Encourage yourself and stay calm on the day
Best of luck!
Let me know how it’s going in the comments!
Click here for my top med school study tools!
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