How to do well in exams – exam advice

Being organised is key. Having a strategy for how you will tackle an exam helps reduce stress and improve performance. But under pressure, even the best intentions can fly out of the window, which is why you need to practise your plan until it becomes second nature.

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.

Preparation doesn’t stop with revision. On exam day:

• 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.

Develop a calming routine for the start of the exam to ease early nerves. This might include arranging your equipment neatly or taking a few deep breaths.

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.

Your first answer can set the tone for the rest of the exam. If the first question looks difficult, don’t be afraid to start elsewhere. Beginning with a question you feel confident about gives your mind time to warm up and boosts self-belief.

Time management is crucial. Divide your time according to the number of marks per question and stick to those limits. The first half of the marks for any question are generally the easiest to pick up, so going well over time for just a few extra marks is rarely worth it.

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.

The invigilators are there to support you, not just to ensure fair exam conditions. If you have a question, then raise your hand and wait for an invigilator to come to you. They can’t answer technical questions, but they can clarify for you.

Don’t rush to leave. Use the remaining time to:

• 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.

Panic can hit even the best-prepared students. If it does, pause. Close your eyes briefly, take a few deep breaths, and focus on slowing your thoughts. Jotting down some key ideas or headings on scrap paper can also help you reset and regain control.

Try to approach the exam with a positive mindset. One test does not define your ability or your future. Staying calm, focused, and realistic can make a huge difference to how well you perform.

It’s tempting to compare answers with classmates, but post-mortems often cause unnecessary worry. They are usually inaccurate and can knock your confidence for upcoming papers.

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.