Revision: Expert memory hacks and tips

This article was last updated on 4 May 2023.

Sometimes all you need when revising is a little guidance to set you on your way and help things feel a lot clearer in your mind. That's why we've spoken to our Mind Set experts who all know a thing or two about the tricks and techniques you can put into practise when revising.

Memory expert Dr Vanessa Loaiza has given us some simple memory hacks that could help you ramp up your revision and excel in your exams. Take a couple of minutes to watch the video and then read below for a round-up of Dr Loaiza's tips

Tip 1: Elaboration

Rather than passively repeating information over and over, try to elaborate on the information meaningfully, connect it to information you already know, and relate it to yourself and your life.

Tip 2: Test yourself

Testing yourself often, for example with flashcards, is a great way to remember information. Don’t cram too much information on each card – use cues to prompt yourself on single concepts. Find out more about how to use flashcards correctly in this video.

Tip 3: Mnemonics

You can use mnemonics to remember all kinds of things, for example in physics, the visible light spectrum can be remembered by Richard Of York Gave Battle In Vain… the more bizarre the better. You can use things that are personal to you to help you remember.

Tip 4: Mind maps

Mind maps can help you make links within subjects and can be a great way to elaborate on, and make connections between, topics.

Tip 5: Memory palace

The 'memory palace' can help you visualise and remember sequences by linking words to objects in an imaginary room. You can write a story using the objects and tell the story from memory to recall that list of words.

Tip 6: Spaced practice

Space out your revision a little bit every day rather than cramming it all in the night before, then go back after a period of time and try to remember it. We call this the 'spacing effect'. If you want to learn more about how spacing out your study can be a good thing then we've got you covered.

The Mind Set is two things: a series of films to help support you through your GCSEs and Nationals and a group of amazing young coaches who appear in the films.

Some of our coaches have been through their GCSEs or National Qualifications already and some have got them coming up. They come from all different backgrounds and all corners of the UK and they’ve all faced different challenges in getting to grips with exams and revision. What they’ve got in common is that they all have heaps of tips, advice, helpful hints, hacks and wonderful words of wisdom they want to share with you.

In the series, we also hear advice from mental health professionals like Josh Fletcher (AKA “Anxiety Josh”) on how to look after your wellbeing and stay resilient during revision and exams season.

You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.

If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.