2021 - 10 ways to effectively study ACCA (Tips that actually work)

Every year we take up resolutions which invariably have to study well or study better at the heart of it. What is most important is to have efficient and practical study techniques that make sure that we are actually able to be productive instead of waiting out time near the wishing well. So in order to make sure 2021 is really going to be different let us walk you through 10 study tips that will change your study patterns forever. 

1. Studying has to be a habit -  The thought of study in itself can sometimes seem like hard work. Utilising your time effectively as you sit down to study is crucial. Make studying a habit. Discipline yourself and clear the schedule to set study as a top priority. Once you do it regularly it will be a habit and you will not feel that reading or taking some practise tests are a daunting task.  And slowly it will come to such a space that you feel off if you miss studying even a single day, wouldn’t that be lovely?
2. Have a study buddy - Research has shown that you tend to take your studies more seriously if you feel like you are accountable to someone. So try and study with a group or with one friend whom you know is as serious as you are about clearing the paper. Another advantage of studying together is that you will be able to see topics in a different light and will be able to discuss ideas with one another, you will be able to cover portions quicker as you share your knowledge and skills.
3. Practice - NO, there is no other way out - There is a reason why the term practice makes perfect is so popular. There is no shortcut that helps you when it comes to plain old hard work. Try and do at least 3-4 practice questions after you have completed a topic. The more you practice the more you will be able to retain what you have learnt. 
4. Exploit all the resources at hand - The ACCA website is flooded with resources, use that to your advantage. Brush through the examiner’s feedback which is published twice a year. This is a peek into what they expect from your answer sheets. They are usually published in April and October. This will be available on the ACCA website along with the previous exam papers, answer keys and technical articles. Make sure that you go through everything you can get your hand on, you will not regret it.
5. Follow PQRST - Looking for a system that works? PQRST is one that you should take a shot at. P = Preview, Q = question, S = Summary and T = Test. Check the topic first and find out what needs to be done, then after you browse through the topic, try and see what are the queries or questions that should be answered. Go through the topics and revise them and make short notes in summary form and finally test yourself to know if you have actually retained any of the information. You will then clearly see the gaps and can relearn the subject better.
6. Never be shy to ask for help - The whole point of attending lectures is so that you know what is being taught. So make sure that you have clearly understood everything and are not afraid to ask questions to your faculty. It is vital that you have a complete comprehension of the subject so that you can avoid making mistakes. One of the greatest ways to check this is to explain the topic to a friend if you are able to teach another accurately then you should be able to convey it in your answer sheet as well.
7. Start NOW - One of the biggest mistakes you can ever make is to postpone your study. There is no better time than today. If you have given your exams never wait till you get the results. Take a week or so to relax and unwind, then get right to it. Then start going through your textbook and at the end of each chapter, practise the questions. After you do this for a few days you should be able to revise topics. In this manner, you will never be out of touch with the habit of studying which is vital to do well in the exams.
8. Know the syllabus well -  You may not think it important to go through the syllabus. But in the long run, it is going to help you a lot. Tick off the subjects in the syllabus as you cover them so that you know for sure that you have covered everything.
9. Take care of yourself - You cannot do well in the exams if you aren’t the best version of you. So make sure that your brain gets the rest it needs so that you don’t lose the cognitive power. Make sure you eat healthy, exercise, rest and sleep well. 
10.  Plan smarter - Planning is vital if you are looking to achieve success. So set a weekly target, and then further break this down to daily tasks. Try to meet those. Once you plan well you will be able to decide how many subjects you can attempt in the upcoming sessions. To plan it may take up time but try and weigh the cost benefit. This amount of time is totally worth it if you monitor your progress.