Students: Free guide to help you on the day of an exam
The Correct Attitude
The correct mind set is fundamental when sitting an exam. Don’t be overeager and don’t be nervous. If you have studied, you should be confident. Be ready for a good challenge. The right attitude will make all the difference on your results.
The Time Factor
Generally exams have a time limit. Divide the time you have per question or section. If the time for each question is over, then pass to the next. It is better to answer all the questions than to answer just some questions. Answer all the questions.
Be clear and accurate
Students who over prepare find that is usually not enough time to write down all they know. It is not necessary for you to write an encyclopedia. Exams are about responding clearly, accurately and the ability to summarize information. Stick to the basic. Read the question. What are you being asked for? Give that answer, nothing else.
Basic but Essential
Never be late to an exam. Be respectful to your partners and to those who are conducting the examination. Don’t be distracted before, during or after the exam.
If you are not concentrated, your results will be poor. An exam is not only about the grade but about knowing yourself. Be clear in your writing. Be calm and confident. Read the entire Exam before starting to answer. Make sure you are following the instructions. Concentrate. Generally some questions are more important than others, you will know this if they are marked with higher points. Take that into account.
Some students think that all they studied will be forgotten if they do not put it in the paper at full speed. This is incorrect. If you have studied, the information will remain with you for all of your life. That is the whole point of the exam.
It is important that you are not stressed, tiered or hungry. Do not stay up all night studying, it is better to have a good night sleep. You will not learn in one night what you had to learn in two or three months. Good sleep, calm mind, and a good breakfast are recommended before the exams.
Once you have finished an exam you should double check. Many students miss out on questions or make mistakes that could easily have been avoided by double checking. Leave some time to check your answers. Sometimes exams have “trick questions”. Did you spot them? Did you answer all the questions? Did you check the back of the exam? Are all your pages named and numbered? Are you following the instructions? Is your grammar and style correct? Double check everything.
Words to remember
Calm, rested, prepared, focused, accurate, creative. If you are in sync with these words your chances are much better. A test is not only a test of memory, but a test of character.