Stressed about exams? Worry not, we've got your back.
This post is intended to give you some ideas about how to get the exam marks you want with as little stress and panic as possible. Remember: you're not the only one who worries about exams!
Here are some tips to help you succeed in each step of the process.
Preparing for exams
When you struggle with your exam preparation, it might be because you’re not clear about:
- what to revise
- how to allocate your time
- which learning strategies to use
When trying to decide what to revise, try to keep in mind the kind of questions that will appear in the exam. Will you have a choice between the questions you can answer? How long should you take to work on each of them? Also, remember that there have been clues in your course materials such as lecture outlines, learning outcomes, or revision sessions.
Make the best use of your time
To ensure that you make the best use of your time, you could:
- make a timetable with all your upcoming deadlines;
- schedule yourself time for activities you find enjoyable and relaxing, along with some ‘spare’ time just in case;
- calculate the amount of time remaining for studying, and plan accordingly.
Remember to block some time for doing past papers.
Learning strategies
Effective learning strategies can really help you absorb and retain information much more easily. Some examples include:
- looking for underlying themes or principles, and thinking about relationships between them
- relating your learning to real life situations
- creating a diagram or chart to represent a topic
- breaking down formulae to really understand how they work
- critically evaluating what you are learning
- discussing topics with friends
Everyone approaches revision in different ways, like condensing notes down onto index cards, or using mind maps and spider diagrams. Sometimes it is helpful to speak to more experienced students in your subject area about revision techniques, or revision strategies that worked for them.
Check your progress
Regularly check your progress by keeping an eye on your time plan, testing yourself as you go along, sketching out rough answers to exam questions, writing full exam answers, and completing some practice answers under exam conditions. Remember that you can always adapt your revision strategy if you discover a problem area.
Take breaks
Isn’t it annoying when you’re trying to get into a serious study session and your mind starts to wander to what you might have for lunch, or what you might watch on Netflix later?
The best way to combat that is to take regular breaks during revision to refresh your mind and help you concentrate. Do tasks that need most concentration when you are most mentally and physically alert – you will know the time of day you work best.
Ensure your environment is comfortable but doesn’t have too many distractions. You might want to try out some of the different University libraries and study spaces, to find a location that suits you.
As part of your final exam preparation, it is important to double check the exact exam times and locations, as well as what materials you can (and can’t) take (for example, some exams may be open book, or only allow a certain kind of calculator). Most importantly, try and relax before the exam, keep to a sensible diet, and get lots of sleep.
Sitting exams
Although many students prepare well, sometimes poor exam techniques can cause extra stress and low performance. Try to keep the following in mind when taking your exams:
- Start off the exam by taking a moment to settle down.
- Read questions carefully and completely.
- Underline key words in the questions.
- You could start with the easiest questions to calm you down, or if you prefer, get the hardest question out of the way first.
- Write a brief plan for longer answers, to stay on track.
- It’s important to leave yourself some time at the end of the exam to check over your answers.
Dealing with exam panic
Panic in exams is unpleasant, can be frightening, and interferes with effective work. The ideal way to deal with it involves preparation well in advance. Exercise, learning to use relaxation techniques, and eating sensibly all help, and are well worth a portion of your precious preparation time. If you are someone who panics to the serious detriment of your performance in exams, there is additional help available. Details can be found below.
Further sources of advice
There are many different sources of advice and support available to help you cope with exams. If you are not sure who to ask about a concern, your Course Organiser or Personal Tutor may be a good place to start.
The Institute of Academic Development runs quite a few sessions on revision and exams for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. They also have one-to-one consultations and online resources.
Undergraduate study advice and support
The Advice Place in Potterrow is run by the Students’ Association, providing independent confidential help with a wide range of issues that might affect your revision, such as money worries, accommodation problems or academic concerns.
Telephone: 0131 650 9225 (Potterrow) / 0131 650 5822 (King’s Buildings )
Email: advice@eusa.ed.ac.uk
The Student Disability Service is an important point of contact if you think that a disability might affect your exam performance.
Telephone: 0131 650 6828
Email: disability.service@ed.ac.uk
Exercise can help you relax and improve your concentration, and The Centre for Sport and Exercise is here to help.
The Centre for Sport and Exercise
Telephone: 0131 650 2585
Email: cse.wellbeing@ed.ac.uk
Nightline is a service run by students offering confidential emotional support from 8pm to 8am.
Telephone: 0131 557 4444
The Student Counselling Service offers stress and relaxation workshops as well as individual help. Early referral is advised.
Telephone: 0131 650 4170
Email: student.counselling@ed.ac.uk
We hope these pieces of advice will help you through this year’s exam season. All the very best for your exams!