Blog>
Why 90% of Students Fail Exam Prep and How to Fix It
Study Techniques
4 min read

Why 90% of Students Fail Exam Prep and How to Fix It

If you’re wondering why exams are bad, check out this article. You’ll find practical tips for overcoming study challenges and smart study strategies to succeed.
Written by
Adam J.
Published on
Oct 1, 2024
Table of contents

Why Students Struggle with Preparation: 5 Main Reasons

Effective preparation is crucial for doing well academically, but many students find it difficult. Understanding why this happens can help improve study habits and performance. Here are five common reasons students struggle with preparation, which often leads to the question: Why exams are bad and so challenging?
  1. Procrastination: Procrastination is a major roadblock for many students. When they delay starting their study sessions, they often find themselves rushing to cover all the material at the last minute. This rush can lead to poor retention and increased stress. To overcome procrastination, try setting specific study goals, breaking tasks into smaller parts, and using timers to create a structured study plan.
2. Poor Time Management: Managing time effectively is crucial for successful study preparation. Many students have trouble balancing study time with other commitments like extracurricular activities and part-time jobs. Without a clear plan, study sessions can become irregular and ineffective. Creating a detailed study schedule and prioritizing tasks can help manage time better and ensure each subject gets adequate attention.
3. Lack of Focus: Distractions can seriously disrupt study sessions. Issues like mobile phones, social media, or a noisy environment can make it hard to concentrate. To improve focus, set up a quiet, dedicated study area, limit digital distractions, and consider using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, which involves studying in short, focused bursts with breaks in between.
4. Ineffective Study Techniques: Not all study methods are effective. Relying solely on passive techniques, such as just reading or highlighting notes, may not yield the best results. Instead, active learning strategies like solving practice problems, teaching the material to others, or using flashcards can be more beneficial. Experiment with different techniques to discover what works best for you and adjust your approach as needed.
5. Lack of Motivation: Motivation is a crucial factor in preparation. Without a clear sense of purpose or well-defined goals, it can be hard to stay motivated. Setting specific, achievable goals and understanding how the material relates to your academic and career aspirations can enhance motivation. Additionally, seeking support from peers or mentors can provide valuable encouragement and keep you accountable.

5 Ways for Fixing Common Preparation Issues

Improving preparation habits</div> can make a big difference for students taking exams. Here are five practical strategies to tackle common preparation issues:
  1. Craft a Study Schedule: A solid study schedule is your best friend against procrastination and poor time management. Outline what you need to study and block out specific times for each subject. Be sure to include breaks to keep your mind fresh. Whether you use a planner, a digital calendar, or a study app, having a clear plan helps keep you on track and reduces last-minute cramming.
2. Eliminate Distractions: To boost your focus, create a study-friendly environment. Identify what typically distracts you—like your phone or noisy roommates—and take steps to minimize these interruptions. Try using apps that block social media or set up a quiet study area. Communicating with family or roommates about your study times can also help reduce disturbances.
3. Embrace Active Learning: Active learning is far more effective than just passively reading through notes. Engage with the material by summarizing it in your own words, solving practice questions, or teaching it to someone else. Use tools like flashcards or create mind maps to reinforce what you’ve learned. This approach helps you understand and remember information better.</div>
4. Set Clear Goals and Monitor Progress: Clear, achievable goals give your study sessions direction and motivation. Break down larger tasks into smaller steps and track your progress. Use techniques like SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—to stay focused and motivated. Celebrate small victories along the way to keep up your enthusiasm.
5. Seek Support and Utilize Resources: Don’t try to handle everything by yourself. Join study groups, attend review sessions, or ask teachers and tutors for help. Use extra resources like online tutorials, academic workshops, or library materials. Working with others can give you new ideas and keep you motivated. Plus, you might find that you’re not asking why are final exams bad and so tough.

3 Strategies for Lasting Academic Success

StudyPro _ copy of Exam Prep Fails_ Why 90% of Students Struggle-(Compressify.io) (1).webp
Based on common preparation issues, lasting academic success goes beyond just fixing immediate problems. It’s about developing habits and strategies that help you keep improving. Here are 3 effective ways for how to do well on an exam:
  1. Embrace a Growth Mindset: Adopting a growth mindset can transform how you approach your studies. This mindset centers on the belief that with effort and perseverance, you can develop your abilities and intelligence. When setbacks are viewed as opportunities to learn rather than as failures, you’ll be more motivated to overcome obstacles. Cultivate this mindset by focusing on the learning journey, celebrating progress, and being open to constructive feedback.
2. Build a Balanced Routine: Creating a balanced routine is key to maintaining academic success without burning out. It’s important to blend your study time with other aspects of life, including physical activity, hobbies, and social interactions. Craft a schedule that includes dedicated study periods but also allows time for relaxation and recreation. A balanced routine helps keep you engaged and motivated, reducing the risk of burnout and ensuring a more sustainable approach to your studies.
3. Implement Proven Study Techniques: Effective study techniques can significantly enhance your academic performance. Incorporate strategies like spaced repetition—reviewing material at increasing intervals—to boost retention, and active recall—testing yourself on the material—to reinforce learning. Simulating exam conditions with practice tests and seeking additional resources, such as study guides or tutoring, can also support your preparation. These methods not only improve your understanding but also build confidence for tackling exams.

Final Thoughts

Academic success is an ongoing journey, not just a final goal. As you tackle preparation challenges and improve your strategies, remember that growth is continuous. Instead of focusing on why exams are bad, use setbacks as chances to learn and celebrate your successes as motivation to keep going.
To help you stay organized and on track, consider using tools like the Homework Planner. This planner helps you manage your homework with features like customizable task lists, priority settings, and deadline reminders. It can make your study routine more efficient by breaking down tasks, setting priorities, and keeping your schedule balanced, which helps reduce stress and stay focused.
Give it a try and see how it can enhance your productivity and help you reach your goals with greater ease.
Sources:
Walck-Shannon, E. M., Rowell, S. F., & Frey, R. F. (2021). To What Extent Do Study Habits Relate to Performance? CBE—Life Sciences Education, 20(1), ar6. https://doi.org/10.1187/cbe.20-05-0091

Parsons, L. (2022, June 24). Top 10 Study Tips to Study Like a Harvard Student. Harvard Summer School. https://summer.harvard.edu/blog/top-10-study-tips-to-study-like-a-harvard-student/
Stylistic techniques

Stay Informed

Get the inside scoop with our latest news!