Arcadia England
Top 5 Tips for Finals
Date
December 6, 2016
Whether your exam is in the next week or two, or in January, here are our top tips to help you pass your final exams with ease...
1. Be organised
Start your revision (study) in good time before the exam and plan your time carefully. Schedule in time for breaks and also allow some extra time for unforeseen issues. Allow more time to revise difficult subjects. Organise your space so your study area is separated from the places in which you relax.
2. Revise strategically
Start with more interesting topics and use these to help you establish a study routine. Revise actively, making notes and testing yourself with questions. Review past examination papers and use these to practice (UK university departments often make these available on the course site). Look at what topics are covered, the type of questions asked, and the format so you know what to expect and how to revise.
Don't forget to utilise our Academic Studio that is run by our full time faculty. Drop by the Centre or set up a Skype tutorial to receive writing support and academic advice.
3. Stay healthy
Prioritise your well-being: exhausting yourself and getting ill will not help you succeed in your examination! Eat well, stop working at least an hour before you go to bed, and try to establish a good sleeping pattern. Remember the available health and welfare resources at the university.
4. Plan the exam
Read the exam paper carefully. Answer the correct number of questions and divide your time between questions equally, or according to the marking scheme if they have different weightings. Choose questions that relate to your revision as far as possible.
Take a short amount of time to plan your answers and be sure your responses answer the questions asked. Avoid perfectionism: you do not have to demonstrate perfect prose (but write formally, clearly and legibly). In essay questions, focus on being concise, showing strong evidence and analysis.
5. Relax afterwards
Try to avoid the post-mortem after the exam, particularly if you are stressed or worried about your performance. Plan something in advance to unwind and avoid unnecessary anxiety after the exam.