As exam season looms once again many students across the UK will be working around the clock to cram in that last minute revision.  The months leading up to their final exams is a critical time for many students and should therefore be used wisely. The key to exam success is having a clear strategy and plan for attack rather than getting buried under endless equations and quotes that just won’t stick.

The timeline for revision below will give you some useful tips to help you tackle exam revision and leave you feeling more confident, so the normally dreaded few steps into the exam hall will feel easier knowing you have prepared thoroughly.

The months before your exams…

• In the months leading up to your exams you should make sure that you plan your time efficiently. This can involve creating a timetable where you allocate revision time for each of your subjects, allocating more time to subjects you find more challenging and identifying areas within subjects that you need to pay particular attention to.
• As you revise make sure that you create a notebook for each subject with key facts, equations or quotes that will be needed for your final exams.  If there is any area that you think you need further clarification note it down at the back of your notebook and approach a teacher for further explanation. Asking questions is a key part to learning!
• Create mind-maps to help you make links between facts and help you to remember key words and sentences.
• Use a variety of sources to test yourself and consolidate your knowledge. There are many useful websites and revision textbooks.
• Practicing exam papers is a vital part of exam revision. Practicing exam papers help you to check that you are making progress and are at the level you are aiming for. It will prepare you for what you will experience in the final exam so you are not taken by surprise. It is good to practice exams under exam conditions, resisting the temptation to look up the answers and give yourself extra time!

The week before exams…

• Condense your revision notes into flashcards so that you can look over them on your way to the exam and in the days before the final exam.
• Study with family and friends getting them to test you using your flash cards or notes.
• Discussion with friends will also help you to remember and get a different perspective on subjects you will be assessed on.

The night before…

• Get a good night’s rest and make sure you eat properly before your exams to give you the energy you need to perform to the best of your ability.
• Look over the revision material you have been working on.
• But remember to relax!

It’s finally here!

• Stay calm and remember panicking will not help.
• If you do panic take a few moments to regain your composure and calm yourself down.
• Keep track of the time! You don’t want to spend too much time on one question.
• Try to visualise your flash cards and revision notes if can’t remember something.
• If you have time to spare go over the questions you found more difficult first.
• Most importantly…don’t give up! Even if you’re having difficulty attempt every question and you never know, you may surprise yourself!

For more information, contact Tavistock Tutors at [email protected]