As the end of the school year approaches the anxiety over finals and AP/IB exams increases. In order to get the highest score without any mental breakdowns, follow these 9 suggestions.

1. Stay positive.

One of the most important tips for studying is maintaining a positive mindset, which helps you tackle situations in a calm and level-headed way. A well-balanced mind will help you stay focused.

1. Study in short but frequent sessions.

Study in short bursts rather than long tedious hours, spreading it out rather than just cramming the night before. The brain can only remember so much in one night, especially under pressure. Time management is important to yield the best results from your studies. Breaks are necessary to let the mind relax and recuperate.

1. Find a quiet place to study.

Peace and quiet help with focus. The library is a good place to study, but make sure to have a backup location in case the first one is too loud.  

1. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

If you feel stuck, ask your teacher or someone else who knows the subject well. Research how to solve the problem. The internet is a resource, use it wisely.

1. Form a study group.

Try studying in groups with people who know the subject well. Teaching each other the subject will help you remember the concepts better than just looking over the material.

1. Read the material out loud.

If rereading the text several times isn’t helping, read the material out loud. By speaking it, the learning is more active with more energy put into the material. This helps improves the short-term study session.

1. Take notes in a new style.

Take notes in a way you’ll understand them best. The Cornell Notes style is one of the most effective. Take your notes, and write a brief summary at the end. Write any questions in the left column.

A second type of effective notes, mind maps, create mental associations for visual learners. It can help the reader create connections to the main idea. In the middle, there is a main idea or topic. Important details, facts, and ideas about the main idea should be connected to the main idea. Use different colors and add images to make the information easier to remember.

1. Practice problems.

Practicing problems that have step-by-step solutions will help you understand how to do the problems correctly. It’s very effective to learn the core material.

1. Rest before the final.

Don’t stay up late studying the night before an exam. If you are well-rested, your mind will be clearer and you will be able to remember what you studied. Go to bed early if possible.

Although these tips will be helpful, just reading them won’t do you any good. Start by actively engaging yourself in the material, and continue studying and practicing. If you study properly, you’ll ace your exams.