Things to remember before and after your exams.

What are the most important things to do the night before an exam?
Don’t skip meals. Food is fuel for the brain, so make sure you get enough of it. Get some sleep, so you’re not tired for the big day. Get some fresh air and exercise.

What should I do on the morning of the exam?

• Eat breakfast – it’s hard to concentrate on an empty stomach.


• Give yourself plenty of time to get to the exam.


• Read all the instructions carefully when you’re in the exam room, and make sure that you understand the question before you start to answer it.


• For essay questions, write a plan first to help make sure you don’t miss anything out. Don’t spend too long on any one question – although it makes sense to spend longer on a question with 20 marks than one with only two.

Golden rules for revision

• Keep the noise down. Find yourself a quiet place to work and take regular breaks to keep your mind fresh.


• Reminders. Write important points, facts and formulae on sheets of paper and stick them by your bed, in the bathroom, on the fridge - anywhere you’ll see them regularly so they will sink in.


• Test yourself. Sit down and test yourself with past exam papers and try them against the clock.


• Highlight. The first time you read something, highlight the most important points. Use different colours and symbols to help you remember the important facts.


• Break it down. Summarise or break down whole chapters and subjects onto cards or single sheets of A4.


• Plan it. No matter how clever you are, the odd hour slotted round the TV or sports practice isn’t enough. Before you start, draw up a revision plan and keep to it. Give each subject a decent amount of time.


• Tape it. You could try putting important information on tape – some people find this helps them remember.

Life after exams
It’s important to keep things in perspective when you’re waiting for your exam grades. Yes, it’s great if you do get the grades you want, but it’s not the end of the world if you don’t. Remember, you can retake them next year. There’s always the option of taking them again later in your career.

Think positive! If you believe you’re going to succeed, you probably will.