Are you one of those students who leave studying to the last minute and end up cramming everything in the night before an exam? Well, fear not, because you’re not alone. This phenomenon is known as “student syndrome,” and it’s a classic example of procrastination at its finest. In fact, cramming for a CIPS exam is a lot like rushing to get on an airplane or theatre – let me explain.
You know that feeling when you’re running late for your flight and you’re frantically trying to pack your bags, print your boarding pass, and get to the airport on time? Well, that’s exactly how it feels when you’re cramming for an exam. You’re trying to cram as much information as possible into your brain, hoping that it will all magically stick by the time you take the test. It’s a lot like trying to shove your oversized luggage into the overhead compartment while other passengers impatiently wait behind you – it’s not pretty, but you do what you gotta do to get the job done.
Similarly, when you’re rushing to get to your seat in a theatre before the show starts, you’re in a frantic state of mind. You’re trying to navigate through the crowds, find your seat, and settle in before the lights go down. It’s a lot like trying to memorize an entire module’s worth of information in one night. You’re trying to make sense of it all, organize it in your brain, and hope that you can recall it when it matters most.
But here’s the thing – just like rushing to catch a flight or get to your seat in time, cramming for an exam is not ideal. Sure, you might get through the exam and pass, but you’re not doing yourself any favours in the long run. You’re not truly absorbing the information or retaining it for future use. You’re just trying to get through the moment like a sprinter rushing to the finish line. Remember that the CIPS advanced certificate right through to the CIPS professional diploma is constantly building on information, so you may be making life harder for yourself for the next module
So, what can you do to avoid cramming? Well, for starters, try to study in advance and break up your studying into manageable chunks. Review your notes regularly, ask questions when you don’t understand something, and don’t be afraid to seek help if you need it. And if you do find yourself in a cramming situation, take breaks in between your study sessions and try to stay calm. Panicking won’t do you any good – just like freaking out about missing your flight won’t get you to your destination any faster.
In conclusion, dear readers, cramming for an exam is a lot like rushing to catch a flight or get to your seat in a theatre. It’s a frantic, stressful experience that’s not ideal for anyone involved. So take a deep breath, plan ahead, and avoid the last-minute scramble. Your brain will thank you.
If you need help with your exam technique, we have a free download available here for CR exams and here for OR exams – totally free so don’t miss out!
