As your exam day gets closer, take a moment to see how far you’ve come. Maybe you can now do several Pomodoros in a row without getting distracted. Maybe your practice test scores have improved, or you feel less stressed when you sit down to study.

Think about which strategies worked best. Did shorter or longer sessions help? Did flashcards or practice quizzes improve your memory? Understanding what works for you is a big part of becoming a stronger learner. Also, celebrate your small victories—maybe treat yourself to something you enjoy or recognize how much effort you’ve put in.

By seeing your progress, learning from your methods, and giving yourself credit for hard work, you’ll head into your exam feeling more prepared and confident. Remember, every improvement counts. You’ve trained your brain to learn smarter, and that will help you long after your exams are over.

References:

• Brown, P. C., Roediger III, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make It Stick.

• Cirillo, F. (2006). The Pomodoro Technique. Francesco Cirillo

• Dunlosky, J., Rawson, K. A., Marsh, E. J., Nathan, M. J., & Willingham, D. T. (2013). Improving Students’ Learning With Effective Learning Techniques.