Final exams can sneak up on you faster than you think. Now is the time to get serious. But where to start? The amount of material can feel overwhelming, and that’s completely normal. So, we've listed five practical tips to help you prepare.
1. Practice with old exams
The exam makers aren't always the most creative and inventive. The same types of questions come back year after year, just in slightly different forms. Especially with language subjects, taking old exams is THE way to practise. It’s often about tricks and spotting patterns: signpost words give away a lot!
Besides, it helps to practise with time pressure. Can you finish the exam in time? Then you’ll know exactly how long you can linger on a question, and when to move on.
2. Plan, plan, plan
Having a plan brings peace of mind. You know what to expect, what’s left to do and when you’ll tackle it. No more sleepless nights or doubts about falling behind. You follow your schedule.
Make sure you spread out your subjects well. Don’t burn through all your energy on the first exams. If you’re already exhausted halfway through, that’s no help for the rest of the exam period.
Build in breaks. Switch up your subjects. And leave room for revision, so the material sticks.
3. That last round of mock exams? It matters!
Your final in-class tests often closely resemble your actual exams. So this is the perfect moment to check where you stand. Go to all the feedback sessions and take a good look at your mistakes. Write them down and do extra practice on the parts you found difficult.
Ask your teachers for tips and tricks. They know where students often go wrong and how you can avoid making the same mistakes. That way, you won’t fall into the same traps during your final exams.
4. Use exam practice books and revision guides
Get yourself some solid revision materials! They’ll be your best mates in the final stretch. Exam practice books help you get used to the question formats and timing, while revision guides give you a clear overview of what you need to know, including tips, summaries and worked examples. A lot of it comes straight from past exams, so this links perfectly with tip 1.
No need to wade through every textbook all over again. Focus on the core material. Understand it, and then practise it. That way, you study smarter, not harder.
5. Don't forget to rest
No one can study nonstop for weeks on end. You need focus. And that only works if you take time to recharge. So plan breaks too. Especially in those last days before the exam! Your brain needs time to process everything you’ve learnt.
You've got this
Exams can be stressful, sure, but you're not on your own. With the right prep, enough breaks and a bit of faith in yourself, you’ll go a long way. You don’t have to do it perfectly, just get started, and take it step by step.
Need a bit of extra support? We’re here to help.