exam tips: optimize your exam success

The cartoon shows one mistake that is made by some university students every year without fail! I remember one student whose alarm clock batteries went just at the worng time. You'd be surprised how many students are accidentally late, or who simply get the day or time mixed up...

Here are a few exam tips to consider. Visit my other lenses for more details, and get yourself a copy of the exam guide if you want lots more advise on how to pass exams.

* If you're struggling with your study tell your teacher without delay: they really are there to help. Most of them get upset if they realize students are afraid to approach them!
* Know what the format of your exams will be. Absolutely essential!
* Obtain copies of past and/or sample exam papers as early as possible.
* Check what tools you'll use in your exam and learn to use them (including your calculator - don't get a new one immediately before a maths exam - some peole do!).
* If you have any special needs take advice about making arrangements for these.

* Start your revision as soon as possible.
* Read around your subject.
* Revise regularly and test yourself regularly. Use a revision timetable.
* Revise subjects you're less keen on at least as much as those you like.
* Revise in an atmosphere conducive to study.

* When you need motivation remember why you're doing your exams and that your study won't last forever!
* Keep a record of the revision you do, for when you need cheering up!

* Compile revision summaries and use them to help you answer exam questions.
* Practice answering questions with and then without your notes, then to time.
* Take an active approach to learning. Use whatever memory tricks work for you.

* If you're allowed texts become familiar with them before the exam.
* Use a "cover-up" strategy when answering multiple-choice questions.
* Answers to short answer questions should be brief and succinct.
* Essays should be a continuous piece of prose, with an introduction, main body and conclusion.
* Show your reasoning and workings when doing problems and calculations.
* If you're taking a practical exam find out exactly what's going to be assessed and how. Practice your skills, aiming to become as proficient as possible.
* Prepare the structure and content of oral presentations carefully. Practise talks and be aware of how long they'll take you.

* Prepare what you need for your exam in advance.
* Know exactly when and where your exams will be. Get a good nights sleep before your exam!
* Read the exam paper carefully and answer the questions set.
* Answer the right number of questions. This is very important!
* Check the back of the exam paper too! One otherwise bright student forgot to do this. He realised afterwards that he had more choice than he'd noticed at the time, and hadn't chosen those subjects which he knew most about, which happened to be on the back of the paper!

* If you're pleased with your results - congratulations! If not then remember it's not the end of the World! Try to work out how you can improve next time. Get a copy of the exam guide to help you learn how to pass exams.