Make time to practise writing answers under timed conditions. This helps you build confidence, improve speed and accuracy, and avoid freezing up in the exam. Practising regularly can also reduce anxiety in the long term.
- Know where you are going and aim to arrive around 10 minutes early, enough time to settle, but not so much that you start overthinking.
- Pack everything you need the night before: pens, pencils, calculator (with spare batteries), ID, water bottle, and anything else your school allows.
- Check the rules about what can and can’t be brought into the exam room. Don’t risk disqualification for a simple mistake.
- Eat a balanced breakfast or lunch before the exam, whichever applies, and stay hydrated. Low energy or hunger can quickly affect focus. Just as important is getting a full night’s sleep before the exam. Cramming late into the night is far less effective than being well-rested and clear-headed.
When you receive the paper, read the instructions and read them again. Many mistakes are made by not understanding clearly what is required. Once you know what you need to do, skim through the entire exam first, even if it’s long or every question is compulsory. This gives you an overview and helps prevent panic. Then choose your starting point carefully, as a familiar, confidence-boosting question is ideal for getting your brain into gear.
If a question proves difficult, move on and return to it later if you have time. There is nothing worse than running out of time and realising that the last few questions were actually manageable.
Running out of time? Switch to bullet points or note form. You won’t get full marks, but you’ll pick up more than if you leave the answer unfinished or unwritten.
- Check you’ve answered all required questions.
- Return to any you skipped.
- Improve weak areas.
- Make an educated guess on anything you’re unsure of, as you won’t be penalised for a wrong answer, and you might earn some valuable marks.
The only time they are useful is if something went seriously wrong, in which case, take a moment to reflect and adjust your approach for next time. Otherwise, focus on moving forward. Results can wait.
Doing well in exams is about more than just revision: it’s about preparation, mindset, and strategy. Wherever you are taking your exams, everyone at cife wishes you every success.
Article written by Dr Ian Gross, Principal, at The Worthgate School
