When preparing for exams, I found that incorporating different study strategies greatly improved my retention and confidence. One technique that really helped is interleaving, which means mixing different topics during study sessions. Although it might seem confusing at first, this method prepares you for the unpredictability of exams where questions are mixed rather than grouped. Another powerful approach is elaborative interrogation — asking yourself why a fact or concept is true. This not only helps facts stick but deepens your understanding and ability to apply knowledge in new contexts. For instance, when reviewing historical events, I would question the causes and consequences rather than just memorizing dates. I also swear by the Cornell notes system. This method turns a lecture or textbook reading into a valuable revision tool right from the start. By dividing notes into cues, notes, and summaries, it creates an active review mechanism that makes exam preparation less overwhelming. Taking the time to organize notes this way has made my study sessions more productive. Finally, using AI tools like StudyTok AI can be a game changer. Uploading lectures to auto-generate notes, flashcards, and quizzes streamlines review and keeps me on track. Combining these approaches transformed my study routine from overwhelming to manageable — try them out to see what works best for you!