All those exams…….so little time! Maybe you’re not sleeping very well, you’re having nightmares about the sports hall and endless sheets of exam papers, you’re anxious and feel like time is running out? Don’t panic, you are not alone. Here are a few tips to help you get through those exams.

It’s going to happen, so just get on with it!

Your exams are not going to go away so don’t avoid the issue by pretending that you don’t need to think about it just yet. This can be a very stressful time for people and you need to learn how to handle your stress and make sure you have a good revision and exam plan.

Remember, if you are prepared you will have less to worry about, so make sure you revise thoroughly.

Revision is boring. I just can’t get started.

Nobody said that revision would fill everyone with enthusiasm, but it is vital in preparing yourself for an exam. The good news is that there is plenty of help available and all you have to do is look for it.

• Teachers or tutors will be giving you advice on how and what to revise and may even be offering revision sessions. They will also be there to help if you are struggling and need a bit of general support.
  
  
• Revision guides are available either in shops or in some libraries. Check out what’s available and ask your teacher or tutor for advice. Remember, there’s no point revising information that you already know because it’s easy. Many guides provide exercises for you to complete which may be similar to an exam question. So if you don’t fancy the idea of learning everything ‘parrot fashion’ have a go at the exercise, check the answer and concentrate on the area where you need to do more work.
  
  
• You can even get help from the media. A good example would be the BBC’s ‘GCSE Bitesize Revision’. This provides revision support for students from the age of 14 to 21. GCSE Bitesize Revision combines TV programmes, books and a website to give students studying GCSE’s in England, Wales and Northern Ireland support in 13 key subjects. It also gives you tips about the skills you need to do well in GCSE course work and exams. In Scotland look out for the standard grade Bitesize TV programmes.

Help for GCSEs, Standard Grades and Key Stage 3 is available on the BBC Bitesize Website.

Don’t forget friends and family. Your mates at school should know what you’re going through and what you need to revise. You could give each other support, for example, testing each other or helping each other in areas where you are struggling.

HOWEVER, you must be honest with yourselves, if you know that getting together will result in five minutes revision, a takeaway and a couple of videos. You are wasting valuable time

Less stress before the test

Be prepared. Get a good nights sleep because revising all night won’t help you if you over sleep and miss your exam. Have a good meal before the exam as you don’t want to feel worse if the nerves set in. Allow yourself plenty of time, make sure you have everything you need ready and set off in good time to get to the exam. Relax before the exam, there’s no point trying to cram in extra revision as it might confuse you. You need to feel awake, relaxed and confident so that when you take the first glance at the exam paper you’ll feel ready to tackle those questions.

Less stress during the test

It doesn’t matter when everybody else starts scribbling away on their papers. Take your time to read the questions carefully and make sure you fully understand which questions to complete. Sometimes you might be offered a choice of questions and you will waste time if don’t read the instructions carefully and then try and answer all of them! Think about how many questions you have to answer and how much time you have. Try and budget a certain amount of time per question and remember to leave some time at the end for you to check your answers. If you look at a question and it sends you into a panic, leave it and go on to the next one. You can go back to it later and tackle it calmly. If you’re really not sure of an answer, have a go, it’s better to have a go and score a few points than leave the sheet blank.

After the test

When the exam is over it’s time for some relaxation. Go home and have a break and do something you enjoy. Just think that’s one less exam you’ll have to do and you got through it OK! Once they are all over you can go out and celebrate.

So make sure you plan, prepare, keep calm and do your best!

Good Luck.

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copyright © Careersoft 2004 - First published May 2000 Last updated March 2004