Exams 101: Everything You Need to Know When Taking Exams for the First Time
Exams can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’ve never taken official ones before. With both A Level and GCSE students entering the exam hall for the first time this year, exam anxiety is higher than ever. Here’s what you need to know to smash those goals and put your mind at ease this exam season:
1. Context is King.
Remember that exams are there to test your knowledge on a particular subject within a context. Read the questions properly and apply your knowledge to the given case studies, examples, sources, or formulas given. Answer them with the required detail but don’t go off on a tangent. Spewing random facts and interesting pieces of knowledge won’t pick you up any extra marks and it will waste precious time. It can feel a shame to leave out knowledge you feel confident about but, if the question doesn’t require it, it won’t boost your marks. Always check your work and re-read each question to ensure you’ve answered properly.
2. Remember your equipment.
Half an hour before you enter the exam hall, make sure you fill up your water bottle, go to the toilet and have some extra black pens on hand in case you run out. You can ask to go to the toilet during the exam, but you will be accompanied by an exam invigilator; you will also be wasting precious time!
3. Don’t cheat.
Don’t talk, bring food or cheat during your exam. Ensure you remove your phone, watch (if it’s a smart watch), and any other technology from your person. Ensure you don’t take any flashcards, notes, or anything else that could be seen as cheating into the exam hall; even if you don’t intend to use them, if notes are found on your person, you could be disqualified or awarded a zero. Cheating is never worth it, even if you don’t feel confident in an exam you’re taking. It’s better to get a lower mark than expected than try to cheat and get a zero.
4. If you need something, ask.
Obviously, you can’t ask for any help on your exam paper, but if you need extra paper, a new pen, or you desperately need the toilet, you can raise your hand and ask an exam invigilator for help. Wait until they approach you and try to ask quietly to avoid disturbing other candidates around you.
5. Don’t focus on the time.
It can be tempting to stare at the clock if you feel overwhelmed, but this will likely cause you more anxiety. Focus on your paper, check in on the time every now and then and adjust accordingly. Try to answer the longer questions if you are running out of time as there are more marks to be earned there.
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6. Plan for long questions.
Although planning won’t earn you any extra marks, it can help you to arrange your thoughts logically. If you are taking an essay-based exam like English or History, go through your flashcards or notes before entering the exam hall. Once you’re allowed to start the exam, jot down key quotes and/or dates and anything else relevant from memory. You could do the same with formulae if you’re studying Maths, Science or Economics. This will allow you to focus on the questions properly without trying desperately to recall specific information.
7. Don’t beat yourself up.
It can feel upsetting if you didn’t feel confident during an exam you thought would be one of your best, but don’t beat yourself up. Sometimes, you can do better on the papers you thought went awfully! Do something you enjoy after the exam like a hobby, sport, or seeing your friends for an hour, and then focus on revising for the next one.
8. Take regular breaks during revision.
Exam season drags and it can cause lots of students stress. It’s a long time to put your body under pressure for, so it’s really important to take regular breaks when studying. Go for a walk in nature if you can, play a sport, meet your friends, practice some self-care, read a book for pleasure, make some art, listen to music, or just lose yourself in TikTok for a bit! Not every waking moment needs to be used for revision, so ensure you have a balance of study and relaxation. This will help relieve stress and allow your brain to transfer the knowledge you’ve revised to your long-term memory, which is key when it comes to taking your exams.
9. Try your best.
Always give an answer to the best of your ability, even if you’re unsure. You might be able to pick up some marks here and there which can make all the difference. Knowing you’ve performed your best in all your exams will mean you feel no regrets when it comes to results day.
10. Celebrate the small wins.
Once you’ve finished an exam, treat yourself to your favourite snack, do an activity you enjoy or watch your favourite movie. Know that you’re closer to finishing your exams and enjoying the long summer ahead. You’re slaying it!
Exams can be tedious and stressful, but put in the effort and hard work now and you’ll have the whole summer to enjoy later!
Is there anything else you’d like to know? Ask away in the comments!
