Exams & Study: 12 Coping Strategies

Does the thought of exams make you want to run for the hills? You’re not alone. Many of us with dyslexia feel stressed when we think about revision, memorising facts, and cramming loads of data into our heads.

In this episode, I share 12 strategies for dealing with tests so we can do our best without burning out. I look at why we can’t just “store data” in our brains like a massive supercomputer, and I talk about ways to work with dyslexia rather than fighting it. Tests might be here for a while, so why not learn a few tactics to make life easier?

Reframing How You Study

Studying doesn’t need to be endless reading or copying notes word for word. It can be creative, interactive, and even fun. If you find ways to stay curious, you’ll retain more without feeling like you’re forcing knowledge into your head.

• Chunk Your Material: Break down the topic into bite-sized pieces. Don’t study more than one or two concepts at once, or your brain can start mixing things up.
• Use Your Senses: Record your notes and then listen while on a walk, or create mind maps that you can colour-code. Engaging sight, sound, or touch makes new ideas stick.
• Storytelling: Turn facts into a short tale in your mind. It might feel silly, but it helps when recalling info in an exam.

Sometimes we put pressure on ourselves to learn in a “proper” way—like everyone else seems to do. Reframe it. Try different approaches until you find something that clicks.

Managing Self-Doubt and Stress

Worry and negative thoughts can eat away at your attention, so focusing on the exam content gets harder. The best time to manage stress is before it builds up.

• Mindful Breaks: Step away from the desk every 20–30 minutes and breathe. A little reset can free you from stress loops.
• Positive Repetition: Give yourself quick affirmations: “I’m learning, I’m capable, I’ll remember what matters.”
• Plan Realistically: Make a simple timetable. Don’t pack too many tasks into one day. Feeling behind is a huge stress trigger.

It’s easy to doubt yourself when you’ve got a big test looming, but remind yourself you’ve tackled challenges before. You can do more than you think. Even short self-care breaks can make a difference in how well your brain holds on to what you learn.

Adapting Test-Day Techniques

Exams can be nerve-racking. The environment isn’t always dyslexia-friendly, but there are still ways to navigate the day so you feel more settled.

• Preview the Paper: Skim through the questions first. Jump to ones that look easier, so you get a quick win and build confidence.
• Highlight Key Words: In reading passages or instructions, highlight crucial words to guide your focus.
• Use Extra Time (If Available): Many tests offer extra time for dyslexic learners. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.

“We are not robots, and none of us will put Google out of a job for storing data. We’re more like an algorithm, able to process tons of info logically and find an answer.”

This quote from the episode reminds us that each brain has strengths, and demonstrating those strengths is what matters. Exams aren’t always the best measure, but playing by their rules and adding in a few tricks can help.

12 Strategies For Exam Success

Here’s the heart of this episode. I go over a dozen simple strategies you can try right now. Pick the ones that resonate. Experiment a little. You never know which tips will become your go-to exam survival tools.

• 1. Conceptual Flashcards: Instead of vocabulary words, focus on big ideas and how they connect. Combine them with visuals.
• 2. Voice Memos: Record short voice notes and repeat key points out loud. Hearing your own words can reinforce memory.
• 3. Pomodoro Technique: Try 25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break. Keeps your mind fresh and stops overload.
• 4. Brain Dumps: Before the test, quickly jot down any important formulas or facts on scrap paper while your memory is still fresh.
• 5. Audio Rehearsal: Read answers aloud before writing them down, to help phrase them clearly.
• 6. Study Buddy System: Teach a friend the material. Teaching is one of the best ways to learn.
• 7. Short Bursts: Study in small chunks rather than intense hours. Give your brain breathing room.
• 8. Colour Code: Use one colour for main concepts, another for details. It’s quick to scan when you need a prompt.
• 9. Physical Movement: Pace around or squeeze a stress ball while memorising. The action can help lock in facts.
• 10. Practice Recall: Test yourself with quiz questions. Don’t just read notes passively—push your brain to retrieve info.
• 11. Mindful Preparation: Get good sleep, skip last-minute cramming. Fatigue is the enemy of focus.
• 12. Access Support: Talk to teachers or exam centres about extra time, untimed breaks, or technology aids.

We all have different ways of working, so don’t expect every single strategy to fit you perfectly. The trick is to keep trying fresh methods until you find your unique blend of success.

Final Takeaways

• Break tasks into small chunks so your mind won’t be overwhelmed.
• Make space for stress management. A calmer brain learns better.
• Experiment with different study techniques and keep what works.
• On exam day, pace yourself and take quick moments to refocus.

If you want to hear more examples and in-depth stories, you’ll find them all in the full episode. The podcast player is at the top of this page, waiting for you to press play.