17 Tricks to Score High in Less Time: Scoring high marks in college exams doesn’t always mean studying for hours or doing what everyone else does. Sometimes, it’s about working smart and knowing the hacks that others don’t! Here are some lesser-known, game-changing tricks that will give you an edge in your exams:
17 Tricks to Score High in Less Time
Table of Contents
Start with the Most Recent Class Notes
Teachers love to test what they’ve recently taught. Focus on the last few weeks of lectures, especially if your professor hinted at something being “important” or repeated it multiple times. This is often where questions come from.
The 80/20 Rule for Studying
Not all topics are equally important. Use the Pareto Principle: 80% of the marks come from 20% of the syllabus. Identify the key topics and invest your time in mastering them. Scan past question papers to find these “hot” topics.
Learn the Art of Selective Skipping
You don’t have to study everything. Some topics are too broad, low-scoring, or unlikely to appear in exams. Skip them strategically and focus on topics that are more scoring. For example, if diagrams or formulas are scoring, focus on those instead of long theories.
Use Memory Triggers and Mnemonics
Create quirky, funny, or relatable shortcuts to remember tricky concepts. For example, to memorize a list, turn the first letters into a funny sentence. The sillier, the better—it sticks in your brain like glue.
Don’t Just Read, Write It Out
Here’s the hack: your brain remembers what you write better than what you just read. Write out formulas, definitions, or key points repeatedly. Use colorful pens and sticky notes—it helps with visual memory.
Prioritize Easy Marks First
Know the exam structure and aim for the “low-hanging fruit.” These could be short questions, definitions, multiple-choice, or diagrams. Secure these marks first before worrying about the tougher ones, 17 Tricks to Score High in Less Time.
Reverse Engineer the Marking Scheme
Understand how marks are distributed. For instance, if a question is for 5 marks, don’t write a 3-page essay. Focus on writing just enough to get the marks—points over paragraphs!
Master the Art of Writing Answers
Exams aren’t just about what you know—it’s about how you present it. Write answers in bullet points, underline key phrases, and add diagrams even when not asked. This tricks the examiner into thinking you’ve covered everything in detail.
Use Shortcut Techniques for Theories and Calculations
Theory Hack: For theoretical subjects, summarize each chapter in one line, and revise only those summaries before the exam.
Math Hack: Memorize shortcuts and tricks for solving common problems. For example, formulas, quick multiplications, or pre-solved examples.
Study Smartly at the Right Time
Study during the hours when your brain is most active—typically early morning or late at night, depending on whether you’re a morning person or a night owl. During these hours, focus on your weakest subjects or hardest topics.
Skim Over the Entire Exam Paper First
When the exam begins, spend the first 5 minutes skimming the paper. Answer the easiest questions first to boost your confidence and save time for tougher ones.
Cheat Sheet Without Cheating
Create a cheat sheet of key formulas, facts, and dates on a piece of paper and revise it daily before the exam. You won’t take it into the exam hall, but by then, you’ll have memorized everything on it.
Night Before Exam Hack
Study only high-yield topics.
Sleep for at least 5-6 hours.
Quickly glance through charts, diagrams, and mnemonics right before bed. The brain processes these visuals better while you sleep, 17 Tricks to Score High in Less Time.
Stay One Step Ahead with Class Participation
Professors often set questions based on topics they’ve discussed in detail during lectures. Pay attention to these during classes and jot them down—they are likely to appear in the exam.
Use Audio Revision
Record yourself explaining key concepts and listen to them while walking, eating, or traveling. Hearing your own voice reinforces the content in your mind.
Leverage Open Books During Preparation
While revising, simulate an open-book test. Keep your notes and textbooks open and see how quickly you can find answers. It trains your brain to retrieve information faster, even in a closed-book exam.
Body Language Hack During Viva Exams
In oral exams, confidence is everything. Even if you don’t know the answer, smile, maintain good posture, and answer calmly. Professors often give better grades to confident students.
Final Secret: Believe in Yourself!
17 Tricks to Score High in Less Time: Confidence is your biggest weapon. Even if you feel underprepared, walk into the exam hall with a positive mindset. Remember, smart hacks like these can help you maximize your marks, even with limited time!
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