Studying for an exam is now easier thanks to online study apps.
Students used to be able to study for exams through only textbooks or slideshows from a teacher, however with the rise of technology they’re now finding alternate sources, such as young AI to create practice questions or watching online videos. Students have found more easier and diverse ways to prepare for exams.
This is very important, said AP Seminar and AP Research teacher Mr. Baker, “studying has to be a personalized technique, the way students study happens in a different way and trying different ways can help you find what works for you.” Mr. Baker said the best study recommendation he had is to “Study effectively, use what we learn and apply that thing in real life. So you use it and it works. AI conversation apps help you and learn.”
This rise of AI usage has become a controversial topic among certain communities, with some saying AI is not acceptable and others that moderate AI usage, to help study not do the work, is actually helpful for students especially if they’re struggling in a class.
According to research done by College Board “The percentage of high school students who report using GenAI tools for schoolwork is growing, increasing from 79% to 84% between January and May 2025.”
Jasmine Perumal, junior, said she studies for an exam “the night before just trying to plan as much as I can but alternative resources that I use are things, such as Gemini, which create quizzes for me I think recall works a lot.”
Students are saying that Quizlet is one of their best studying resources, offering thousands of quizzes and flashcards for each specific subject. Another popular study method is using ChatGPT or AI systems to generate practice questions that you can drill. This level of personalization allows students to learn material better and get higher grades. This type of studying is common practice for many Edison students.
“I think for me it depends on the subject. I like to actively recall because for my brain it’s really hard to focus on one thing because I’m doing more than one thing at once but by actively recalling it helps me focus on my multiple things at once. And I believe I have a photographic memory that does me justice. And I like to teach what I’m learning to someone who can help me recall it,” Justin Smiley-Carter, senior, said.
Throughout his years of teaching Mr. Baker said “I would recommend never cram, the only way to really learn something is to apply it in as many ways as you can, make people ask you questions, and have conversations. When you apply it you won’t be forcing yourself to take it all in at once.”
Studying is a personalized journey for every student but thanks to technology and AI’s it’s become a lot easier to study. With more new study techniques becoming popularized each year, such as AI “gossip” videos or studying for APs on Roblox, technology has forever shaped how students cram for their next exam.
“Time-wise, you have to study at least a week before, at least 5-7 days, practice the content and do a diagnostic and then give yourself time and time to rest as well. In a perfect world at least study a week and a half, because looking at it in a different perspective people with different ways get distracted, that doesn’t work, I don’t think it’s combinational, so a week before,” Justin said.
