Everyone should know best how much time they need to study. But the most important rule is: It’s better to study intensively for 30 minutes every day than to study for many hours on just one day of the week. This makes it easier to identify what’s still unclear. And it leaves enough time to ask teachers, instructors, or classmates about specific topics. We also recommend setting aside fixed study times and sitting down to study at the same time every day. Your brain will then automatically adjust to learning mode.
Review and Organize
About eight to six weeks before an exam, you should start reviewing and reading through the material. This will give you an initial idea of what preparation is needed and help you organize the material effectively. Many final exams cover multiple subjects or topics. That’s why you shouldn’t study very similar material back-to-back, because you might easily confuse the concepts.
Ease Your Brain into It
Even if you’re a whiz at math and need to prepare less than you would for another subject, you should still start with the easiest or most interesting part. This makes it easier to get started and “warms up” your brain for more difficult tasks. It’s a good idea to practice with past exam questions. They provide a good insight into the level of detail required for individual topics. Such questions give you the chance to test yourself under realistic time constraints and prepare in a targeted way.
Study Together
If you don’t like studying alone, a study group is a great option. Many people find it easier to learn the material this way—partly because it’s more fun. Even just one study partner is enough. Whether in a group or with a partner, everyone can quiz each other and find solutions together. Plus, a group is a great way to simulate an oral exam. One person plays the student, and the rest play the teachers who ask the questions.
Practicing on the Job
For those in a workplace-based apprenticeship, many trainees will also face a practical component. You can check the exam regulations to see what’s required. Whether it’s a project, a presentation, or a final project: Candidates should set themselves an appropriate task at work, practice it, and have their results reviewed by their instructor.
