The Stages of Study for an Exam

Katherine Fary
Sep 7, 2016
2 min read

If you have ever studied for an exam, specifically a big one, you understand the different stages of studying for the exam. I typically follow these steps and it shows perfectly via my snapchats for that day. So I am going to use many of my snaps are perfect examples. I hope whoever is reading this understands what I am going through.

Stage 1: You wake up and you realize how much you do not want to study. The urge to do literally ANYTHING other than studying is strong. I will make any excuse to say that I don't need to study. Then the guilt seeps in. I realize that I have to study now cause I don't have time to study later. Then the panic seeps in and you jump out of bed and get ready.

Stage 2: You've now consumed enough caffeine to be productive today. This is the productivity stage. You now have the energy and drive to being studying efficiently. This stage lasts from 1 hour to if you are lucky 3 hours. The amount of material you comprehend will plateau in this stage.

Stage 3: Distraction

This is the biggest issue I have. There are so many possible distractions that could take a hold of my attention. Many of them involve puppies. Puppies are literally the best thing on this planet. I am in love with puppies. This week's study consisted of me getting distracted by going to play with my parents' dogs. This is probably the best distraction possible. Who doesn't love a cute puppy. But alas, after said distraction I need to get back to studying.

Stage 4: Denial

At this stage, your mind is telling you to stop. Just stop trying to put things in your brain. Stop trying to make sense of something that obviously makes absolutely NO SENSE. You have to many other things to do. You are either telling yourself that your going to fail anyway or that you're perfectly prepared for this. No need to study anymore. Might as well give up.

Stage 5: Anger

When you in the end not give up, the next stage is pure anger towards the subject. Hate to the class. Hate to the school. Hate to the professor. Hate to yourself. Why did you do this to yourself? Force yourself into the situation where you have to study this much. HATE THE WORLD!

Stage 6: Sleep

And the cycle comes back around. You finally give up and decide your body needs sleep. Your brain needs to recover. Prepare itself for the trauma of tomorrow. At least you get to sleep right?!

Can anyone relate to this?!