Why shouldn't you cram before an exam?
"I can tell you why," says Maury Hopkins, a former Penn State University student who is now a Mental Health Counselor-RN in Los Angeles."I remember flunking a test after pulling an all-nighter. I recognized the topics I was being tested on, but I did not have the concepts down. I didn't grasp the material at all. I got behind in the class and I thought I could catch up by cramming. Big-time mistake."
He's not alone.
Based on recent higher education surveys, more than 90 percent of college students have admitted to cramming for an exam during their careers. Today, we'll explore what cramming is and why research suggests it's a bad idea. Then we'll offer some strategies to help you ace your study sessions — and some future tests in the process.
In other words, by the time you're finished reading, we think you'll agree: Cram doesn't pay.
What is cramming?
You might be asking, "What is cramming?" In simple terms, it's absorbing large amounts of information in a short period of time. Attempting to, at least. As you read earlier, a common example is last-minute studying before an exam.
Why do students resort to cramming? Culprits include procrastination, poor time management, or feeling overwhelmed by academic demands.
We've all been there, right?
Maybe you've got a full load of courses. Maybe you're juggling work and family responsibilities. Maybe you chose to hang out with friends rather than keep up with your studies.
Regardless of the situation, here's the reality: There's an exam scheduled for the next day and you're not prepared for it. And that's why we cram.
But here are some good reasons for why you shouldn't.
Why Shouldn't You Cram Before an Exam?
There's plenty of research to show:
- Your retention will be limited and your short-term memory will be overloaded
- Stress and fatigue from extended study hours will hurt your exam performance
- You'll lack true understanding of the material (more on this later)
- Depriving yourself of sleep reduces your memory recall
"Most of what we learn when cramming goes into our short-term memory for one purpose — to pass a test — and then it's gone," says Dr. Ralph Phillips, Academic Dean and a professor of Biology at Portage Learning. "When you cram, it's one and done."
So, is there a better way to excel in your courses — even if life's demands are many? Yes, and there's science to back it.
Why Consistent Study Works Better
Think about playing a sport. Or, perhaps, you prefer the piano. Would you prepare for the big game or a recital in one intense sitting, or would you enjoy continuous improvement with intentional practice? Achieving excellence in your coursework is no different.
Debbie Michalik, Senior Director of Student Affairs at Portage Learning, oversees a team of Student Success coaches who come alongside our online learners struggling with time management skills.
"Spending just ten minutes a night reading over your notes is much more effective than cramming the day before or morning of an exam," she points out.
Our coaches also recommend some other practical methods to excel without excessive effort:
Spaced Repetition — This is the act of learning and reviewing material in increasingly longer intervals, primarily using flash cards. As your course progresses, you would gradually increase the time between study sessions. For example, if you pore over a topic on Monday, you can review the information on Thursday. Then you can wait a week to examine it again. That's spaced repetition. The focus is on long-term retention rather than short-term success on an exam.
Active Recall — It's the practice of quizzing yourself and activating your memory rather than passively reading notes. Our coaches also suggest teaching the material to others to prove you really understand it. "That's wonderful advice," Dr. Phillips emphasizes. "And if no one else is around for you to teach, speak out loud and instruct yourself. It works the same way."
Shorten Your Attention Span — Ever heard of the Pomodoro Method of studying? It's simply using a timer to chunk your work into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by five-minute breaks. Here's how:
- Select your task
- Set a timer for 25 minutes
- Work until your timer rings
- Take a five-minute break
- After completing four rotations with this time frame, start taking longer breaks of 15-30 minutes
Take Care — Drink plenty of water, get a good night's rest, and be realistic. You're human, and too much stress on the body and mind can cause you to crash out.
Some Key Takeaways
- Cramming may help you feel productive in the short-term, but it will hinder your ability to absorb the information you're studying.
- Consistency Counts. Regular study sessions will lead to improved retention, better grades, and a brighter future after graduation.
- Follow a Plan. Spaced repetition, active recall, or the Pomodoro Method are excellent tools to boost your brain power.
With a little patience and intentionality, we believe you really can rise to the head of your class.
Test it for yourself to find out.
(If you're dreading an upcoming exam and you feel tempted to cram, please ask for help instead. Portage Learning has a team of caring coaches who can get you back on track in a stress-free way.)
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