It’s common to take a break from your studies, but when you come back, it can be tricky. Your old study methods and the stuff you once knew really well can start to feel distant. Here are some useful tips from Kaplan tutors to help you get back into the swing of things.
1) Start Slow:
When you first start studying again, don’t try to do too much at once. Begin with just one or two subjects and see how you manage your work, study, and personal life. As you get a feel for it, you can decide how many papers to tackle based on the workload.
2) Review Missed Topics:
If you skipped some topics because of exemptions, it’s a good idea to revisit them. These are the basics you need for more advanced papers. Take some time to go over these areas so you have a strong foundation when you start new material. This is especially important for ACCA students who sometimes struggle with advanced Strategic Professional papers when their basic knowledge isn’t strong.
3) Consistent Effort:
Don’t expect to understand everything right away when you start studying again. Learning and understanding take time and practice. Think of it as a long journey, not a sprint. Start at the beginning and keep building your knowledge over months leading up to your exams. Avoid trying to cram everything in the last 2/3 weeks – it doesn’t work well for professional exams.
4) Plan Your Study Time:
Figure out when you can realistically study during the week, including evenings and weekends. Let your family and friends know you’ll be busy so they can support you.
Make a study schedule that includes learning, practicing questions, and taking mock exams, and stick to it while you’re preparing for your course.
5) Use Your Free Time:
Make the most of any free time you have, like lunch breaks at work or train rides. These moments are perfect for doing quick study tasks like multiple-choice questions or practicing calculations.
You’d be surprised how much you can learn during these short breaks.
6) Access Available Resources:
Whether you’re taking a course or studying on your own, there are plenty of free resources you can use.
