Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Hi Guys!!
I know there is always that one exam that totally drives you crazy!!…Yes I have had my fair share of that. So there is this thing called the Cambridge A Level’s which is a two-year program you do before you get into a University in the UK. It is for two years because you learn loads of hard stuff, but then smart me I decided I could do it fast track and do it in one year…… so you can imagine how stressed I was. So I thought it would be nice of me to compile a little list of things you should definitely consider when doing exams that drive you crazy.
First things first;
1. LOVE
I know right like what? what does love have to do with anything. Trust me it has a whole lot to do with it. You have to love your teacher, the subject and everything that has to do with the exam. Fall in love with everything. It goes a long way, avoid having attitudes towards the subjects or teachers. Loving them makes it easier for you to learn.
2. READ EVERYDAY
Read everyday, even if it is just one single page just read it. Find a way to discipline yourself. Once you cultivate a habit of reading everyday, you will find it easier when reading for your finals, and no long late night reading.
3. PLAN YOUR STUDY
Planning helps a lot, makes you organised and being organised helps with knowing exactly what to do at the right time.
4. LISTEN IN CLASS
Goodness I had some boring classes but paying attention in class is very important. You need to listen to teachers especially the boring one’s. Teacher’s often tell you what may come out in exams or some will tell you stuff you will not find in your text books. Pay attention to them.
5. GROUP STUDY
I personally do not like group study I used to think it was boring and noisy, but I tried it and it does help. You get different views on certain topics and your mates usually find easier ways of explaining things.
6. THE INTERNET & LIBRARY
They are your new best friends, look for resources on the internet and in books in the library. I found books that were not recommended more useful to me. There are also good internet forums that help students with questions and past questions.
7. TEACHERS HELP TOO
Teachers know a lot and honestly when you do not understand certain things, they are your best bet. I think they are usually happy when they see students approaching them. Teachers are also calmer when you meet them one on one.
8. HAVE BREAKS
Yes, we all get tired when studying. Do not be too hard on yourself, when you are tired rest for a while. If you stress yourself too much you will end up not learning much.
9. KNOW YOUR BEST TIME
Know when you learn best. Many people have their different times. I really like studying at night when it is cool and quiet, well my friend prefers studying early in the morning after waking up (weird I know) and some prefer late afternoon. Know your best time and maximise it.
10. MAKE YOUR OWN NOTES
I promise you this saved my life!! Make your own notes in your own words. They are perfect for last-minute study and when explaining to your classmates. This is your blood it is that important.
11. GET RID OF DISTRACTIONS
Your phone, food whatever it is that distracts you when studying throw it out the window. Just put them somewhere, away from your reach. If you plan to study for 30 minutes stick to that no distractions.
12. FOOD!! HEALTHY FOOD
Well I do not know if this is scientifically proven , but having a healthy snack helps me stay awake when studying. It is important you energize your body. It is important you stick to healthy snacks as oily fatty snacks leaves you heavy and tired.
13. PRACTICE QUESTIONS
You have to make sure you understand what you have been learning. A great way to do this is answering questons and revising with old test papers
14. DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF
I know there will be this really smart kid making you question your ways. It does not help, do not compare yourself to anyone, just be you. Stick to routines and study techniques that you like . You do not have to impress anyone.
15. SLEEP!!
I cannot overemphasize how important this is!! You need to have a goodnight sleep before your exams. I learnt the hard way. I ended up sleeping during one of my exams. No jokes. Please sleep and enjoy your sleep.
16. BE POSITIVE ON YOUR EXAM DAY
As nerve-racking that day might seem, you need to be positive and not scared. If you studied well you will definitely pass and do well.
Good luck with your exams!!
Damie Omole 