How should I prepare mind and body for exams?

Preparing the Mind

Tip 1: Revise sufficiently

As our short reader on exam revision explains in significant depth, it is extremely important that students revise sufficiently before an exam. Otherwise, they may be faced with the daunting situation of not being able to answer certain exam questions. This means studying any and all relevant seminar readings and lecture materials, doing ample background investigations about the topics being tested, making notes about this relevant information, and memorising as much of it as possible. What’s most important however is that students do not cram all of their revision into one, two or three days. Instead, revision is most effective when it is done over multiple weeks leading up to those final exams.

Tip 2: Experience success

Next on the list when preparing the mind for an exam is to get as much experience of the examination type beforehand as possible. This means completing mock exams, making educated predictions about the types of exam question and topics that you may be faced with, and carefully studying the relevant rules and rubrics of the examination. The better a student understands what is expected of them, and the more practice they have with that examination format, the more likely they are to succeed and receive impressive grades.

Tip 3: Be organised

The third examination tip is to be as organised as possible as this will lower stress and anxiety. While every student can expect to feel nervous on the day of the exam, any student that goes to the incorrect examination room or arrives late is bound to feel extra anxious when answering those first questions. Either be organised and check these details carefully, or expect such situations to happen from time to time and to negatively impact upon your performance and potentially your grades.

Tip 4: Avoid procrastination

Finally, students should avoid wasting time on household chores or social media when they should instead be revising for their exams. While doing so may feel good at the time, such procrastination will only end up leading to more uncertainty and worry when that exam day comes around – which it will do quickly. Instead, make a reasonable study schedule and stick to it, rewarding yourself in between revision periods with pleasurable activities that lower stress – such as watching a movie or going out to a restaurant with friends.

Preparing the Body