Exam Tips : How to Succeed

Exams can be daunting, but with the right preparation and focus, you can succeed. Here are my top ten tips.

Stay awake!-

It is important to get enough sleep, to maximise your performance. Try to relax the night before and have an early night.

Prepare well in advance-

Start to revise as soon as you know you have an exam looming. Try to set aside time each day to work steadily on revision. This will make sure some information stays in your long term memory. 'Cramming' (trying to revise a few days before an exam) will cause unnecessary stress.

Find your learning style -

Research by Honey and Mumford (2000) suggests that there are four learning styles: Activist, Theorist, Pragmatist, Reflector. Finding your learning style can help you maximise the productivity of your revision sessions and find a method that works best for you.

Find what works best-

There are different revision techniques, some people have a preferred style. Try mind mapping, cue cards and writing out practice questions. Be inventive and when you've found a style you prefer, stick to it.

Look after yourself -

Eat a nutritious, healthy diet prior to your exam. Make sure you are well hydrated, as this will improve memory and focus.

Take exercise -

Again, this can improve concentration, decrease stress and improve your mood.

Be realistic -

Be honest with yourself about what you can and cannot do. Especially if you have any other commitments, or family commitments, you need to set realistic targets about the amount of time that you can set aside.

Have fun!-

Allow time to enjoy yourself, and for leisure time and meeting friends. This is not wasted time, it's important to have breaks and doing something you enjoy should improve your mood and focus.

Stay calm-

Set aside time at the start to read through the exam paper properly. Make a 'plan', setting out the points that you want to include. Look at how many points are allocated to each question, if relevant and set time aside, accordingly.

Be positive! -

This is your chance to show what you know and really excel. If you put the work in, you can get the results you want!

Good Luck!!

References

Honey, P. & Mumford, A. (2000). The learning styles helper's guide. Maidenhead: Peter Honey Publications Ltd.