Running head: EFFECTS OF CRAMMING FOR AN EXAM

Effects of Cramming for an Exam Dale Ripley Writing 1020 Madonna University

EFFECTS OF CRAMMING FOR AN EXAM

Abstract Many students feel as though they can fly through a class in college without putting much effort into the class. Cramming for tests and finals is something that is all too common and leads to failure. Having demanding schedules and being new to the college life are two factors that lead to cramming. One must learn to balance their time wisely and prioritize so that cramming for a test is less likely to happen. For many students they just dont know how to study well so they put it off until the night before the test. These kinds of habits need to be broken quickly to ensure getting a good grade in the class. Cramming for tests not only leads to bad grades but also many other physical and mental ailments such a stress which leads to sleepless nights, which could in some severe cases lead to depression. Bottom line, study right and be prepared for tests and exams.

EFFECTS OF CRAMMING FOR AN EXAM

Effects of Cramming for an Exam

Youve heard of it. You know someone who has done it, or youve done it yourself. Its always the last resort and never gives you the satisfaction you need. Cramming for that big exam. Its something most people are guilty of at one time or another. The professor warns you not to do it, and for some reason in our heads we think thats a challenge. We know at least three weeks ahead of time that there is going to be a test, and yet we put off studying. Only a few lucky souls can study all night for an exam and actually get an A. What normally is the result of cramming are passing grades, usually Cs or Ds, stress, lack of sleep and strain on you physically and mentally. Studying takes time, it takes effort and more students need to prepare better for an exam. So it happens. You get your test back and youve passed but only with a D+. Youre not happy with it, but its too late to fix now. The worst part about cramming for an exam is that if youve done it once, youre more likely to do it again. Students cram in classes that dont mean much to them, they just need it for their major most of these classes are general education. All you need is the bare minimum. Students convince themselves that they will be better prepared for the next time, only to cram again when the time comes. One bad grade usually cant hurt you too much, but for the repeat offenders, it could result in failing the class. The disappointment students feel is something they just cant shake. Many excuses for cramming are: their schedules are too busy, other homework is more important, forgetfulness, or, it worked in high school, it should work now. Unfortunately poor study habit in high school will most likely not work well in college. There is so much information covered that going over half the text book in one night will lead to major stress and loss of sleep. Students who cram

EFFECTS OF CRAMMING FOR AN EXAM

constantly experience levels of stress and anxiety. One way to easily fix this issue is to always be prepared for class, constantly look at due dates and test dates. Plan times to study, and stick to it. Cramming for a test has so many negative side effects that it feels like one thing after another goes wrong. For instance, if students do not quit cramming and repeatedly cram for every test they have in a class they dont enjoy, they will experience disappointment. They wont be getting the grade they had hoped for. This puts a threat to whether or not you will pass the class. If the student cant handle stress well he or she could drop out of the class, or continue to fail the tests and eventually fail the class. If the student failed they will have to retake that course, therefore having to spend more money on tuition. Not only will failing the class hurt your wallet, it will also hurt your gpa. Students are warned that they must have a certain gpa to obtain their degree, or to be at good standing with their college or university. All of these unnecessary consequences will happen just because a student didnt prepare better for an exam.

Some students will say that cramming for exams works out great for them. Waiting until the last minute is the only option they have due to their busy schedules of balancing work and school. They know what they need to study and pull all nighters to make sure they know the information well enough to pass the test then just sleep all day when the test is over. They get a decent grade and the cycle continues. What they dont realize is the lack of sleep is actually hurting them. According to Wheeler (2012) The problem is the trade-off between study and sleep. Studying, of course, is a key contributor to academic achievement, but what students may fail to appreciate is that adequate sleep is also important for academics, researchers say.

EFFECTS OF CRAMMING FOR AN EXAM

Eryilmaz states According to a 2011 study conducted by Time.com, students that cram for tests and exams typically only pass their examinations with an average score (para. 2). For some students this is ok, but most students need a better than passing grade for their major. Nursing majors for example must do well in all of their classes so cramming would not be ideal for them. The amount of negative side effects of cramming, including forgetting the information after the test should make a student realize that time management would be much more successful. Like I mentioned earlier, cramming leads to stress. Stress can do a number of things to the body and mind such as weight loss and confusion. One will get irritable and moody. Too much stress and cramming can lead to a mental break down. The effects of stress on the body can be a number of things such as high blood sugar and lowering your immune system. This will create a negative outcome in a college students life. Luckily there is something we can do to avoid such high levels of stress and failure rates. One action a student can take is not overwhelming themselves with a packed schedule. Dont overload your class schedule with 4 extremely demanding classes. Space it out. Most importantly plan time to study and go over the material taught in class. Making time to relax and also time to study will benefit student better than sleep deprivation and cramming.

Some students may not know how to study correctly or maybe theyve had something happen to them that inhibited them from studying in time for an exam. There is always some kind of an excuse that is acceptable. But if a student doesnt know how to study, he or she should get help immediately before it ruins their college career. The student who just doesnt care

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should rethink their choice to go to college. I believe that once a student plans their study time, actually sits down and takes time out of their day to study, they will see much better results on their tests. They will feel prepared, which will eliminate stress, and of course when they do receive their better grade they will feel confident in themselves and happy that they know they can succeed if they just put their mind to it. So, students who want to live happier with less stress about school and their future career should stop cramming and take the time to study thoroughly.

EFFECTS OF CRAMMING FOR AN EXAM

References Eryilmaz, S. Cramming: why its ineffective and should be avoided. Retrieved from http://www.stanford.edu/~eryilmaz/cramming_is_ineffective.html Wheeler, M. (2012). Cramming for a test? Dont do it, say UCLA researchers. Retrieved from http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/cramming-for-a-test-don-t-do-it-237733.aspx