Exam success necessitates preparation and study.
Until you have expertise, it is difficult to know how to manage your preparation period effectively.
This page offers advice based on experience and expert opinion for those who are still relatively new to exams.
Some of these tips pertain to the importance of taking care of oneself and appear to be “common sense.” Others are concerned with the manner in which you study.
Both varieties are essential and will assist you in studying and performing better on the exam.
There is no substitute for beginning revision early.
1.Start early with your review.
You must give yourself sufficient time to evaluate everything you have studied and ensure that you comprehend it (or to read up on the topic or seek assistance if you are struggling). Last-minute preparation is significantly less effective.
Ideally, you should review each subject as you progress and ensure that you thoroughly comprehend it, as this will make revision much simpler. Ultimately, the best advice is to study diligently and master your subject, and the best way to accomplish this is to begin early.
Some subjects will almost undoubtedly be easier than others. You will also discover that certain subjects require more review than others.
2.Plan Your Study Time
It is beneficial to plan out your revision and estimate how much time you will need for each subject.
It is also beneficial to consider the time and duration of your daily study sessions. How much time per day will you be able to manage? What other obligations do you have during your period of study?
Plan your revision to make the most efficient use of your time. What time of day suits you best—morning, afternoon, or evening? Can you read more during specific times? This will enable you to plan what you intend to do in a broad sense, although you should always leave room for adaptation if circumstances change.
This topic is covered in greater detail on our pages titled Top Tips for Studying and Getting Organised to Study.
3.Look after yourself during study and exam time
You will be able to work better if you eat a healthy diet, and get plenty of sleep..
This is true both when you are taking a test and when you are studying. It’s not a good idea to live on junk food. See our pages on Food, Diet, and Nutrition and The Importance of Sleep to learn more about how important food and sleep are.
When learning, it’s also a good idea to move around often. A quick walk or even more intense exercise will get your blood moving and help you focus better.Our page on The Importance of Exercise has more information about this.
4.Take old tests to practise
One of the best ways to get ready for tests is to practise with old versions of tests you’ve already taken. Also, an old test will show you how the questions are set up and written. This will help you know what to expect and give you a good idea of how much time you will need for the real test.
5.Plan The Days Of Exam
Check the exam’s rules and standards. Plan your journey and how long you think it will take to get where you’re going. Then add some extra time. You don’t want to be late and cause yourself even more stress.
Preparing for a test can be stressful, but there are things you can do to make it easier to handle. Start by making a study plan that breaks the material down into doable chunks and sets realistic goals for each study session. Take breaks and take care of yourself to keep from getting burned out. Reviewing old tests and practise questions can give you an idea of what kinds of questions might be on the test. Lastly, make sure you have everything you need before the day of the test so you can feel strong and ready when it comes time to take it.