Exams and tests can be nerve- wracking especially if you’ve never sat one before. preparation is key so here are some of my top tips you can try to help with this. Though try not to put too much pressure on yourself. As hard as it can seem in the moment, please remember you are not defined by your grades, you’re much, much more than that. Yes school is important, but so is your health, wellbeing, relationships and much more.
1. Keep Calm
Exams matter but remember you are more than your grades so don’t let the exam panic take over.
2. Plan Ahead
Planning ahead is a great way to start. Making sure you’re organised at the start makes doing the work easier down the line. Good ways of planning include: breaking the content down into manageable chunks, making a plan of what to do each day and making sure your notes are up to date.
3. Prioritise
Don’t just start from the front of the text book – make a list of the areas that are your weakest and start there as you’ll need more time to focus on these.
4. Ask Questions
During classes, make sure to ask questions if you are confused. Even if you think it’s a silly question. If you don’t feel comfortable asking in front of the class, don’t be afraid to approach the teacher at the end of class – they are there to help.
5. Make the Most of Materials
If your teacher hands out information/ summary sheets, don’t just shove them into your bag – look over them and use them for revision. Learning intentions are often available during classes or on exam authority websites – have a look online or ask a teacher about these. If they are available, they can help make what you need to learn clearer.
6. Study Techniques
There are lots of different studying methods so do what works best for you. Active recall is highly effective, along with methods such as mind mapping, using the pomodoro method, past papers or flash cards. If you find a method isn’t working for you, don’t be afraid to let it go and try another one.
7. Practice Papers
Practice papers are also useful. Even if you don’t feel ready to do one, try and at least get one done – ignore the final mark, but it will help you identify your weak areas; it’s so important to focus on those and not just your strong points.
8. Make It Fun
Make it fun with friends! Who said studying had to be boring? Group study sessions, quizzes and making posters are all effective and fun ways of studying. An idea for group study sessions is to divide the topics among you, make a power point and teach each other about it – this helps all of you bring together your knowledge.
9. Don’t Leave It Until the Last Minute
If you don’t understand something at the end of class, spend some time studying it until you do – don’t wait until you begin revising to learn the content. Along the same line, don’t start the revision a week before the exam . It’s more effective to do it little and often throughout the year than cram it all into an evening.
10. Look After Yourself
Make sure you are eating and sleep well, drinking plenty of water and exercising often. Maintain a healthy lifestyle and balance academic efforts with wellbeing – it’s just as important in getting you over the finish line.
Hope these tips help and good luck with your exams or tests.
By Karis Harwood