Countdown to Exams: The Ultimate Preparation Guide:
It’s the time of the year when the weather is getting warmer and we are all excitedly daydreaming about the summer holidays and the December fun with friends and family, however, a crucial time is fast approaching for High Schoolers and University students—Exam season is coming in hot. With prelim exams already underway in many High Schools across the country, plus our university students preparing for midterm assessments and finals just around the corner, it’s a hectic time to be a student. To avoid the frantic “hit the ground running” come October/November, we hope to give you tips for a slow and steady burn that will keep you going strong!
We’ve put together a student- and family-friendly exam prep guide, with a short checklist to ensure you have all the essentials. We know that burning the midnight oil is between chugging energy drinks or relying on a sugar spike to keep you from dozing off at your desk. So, we want to offer a more holistic and practical approach that considers your emotional, mental, and physical well-being. Most importantly, it focuses on the key skills needed to pull it together; time management, prioritising, and commitment to crossing the finish line.
We’re always here to offer support to you:
Here are some key tips to consider:
You Can Do It All—But Not All at Once:
Focus on one task at a time, or in this case, one course or subject material at a time. The goal is to understand your subject thoroughly. Pace yourself and don’t over-exert by trying to cram Maths paper 1 and English literature into one day. Prioritise and tackle each subject individually.
The goal is to understand your subject material and use support aids and study guides for subjects you may not fully understand.
Manage your time effectively:
While all subjects are important, some may require more attention than others. Begin with the most challenging subjects, as more time and effort need to be dedicated to them. Once you’ve tackled the difficult ones, move on to those you find easier. Be clear on your exam schedule this can help you plan and allocate enough time for each subject. Planning means you can also leave room for revision, group study sessions, and past papers.
Make it fun or try to:
We all process information differently, so this is a great time to explore what study methods work best for you, and a great opportunity to get creative. Do you prefer mind maps, infographics, flashcards, or coloured notes perhaps you are a serial textbook highlighter, or maybe you’ve gone digital. Whichever it is embrace it and explore what works best. You might find that a mix of these methods suits different courses.
Rest, breathe and take care of yourself:
You perform your best when you feel your best. This isn’t an excuse for a personal day every other day however take breaks, get moving, stretch, vent to a friend, teacher, tutor or family member about any challenges you are encountering and prioritise your rest and focus time by setting boundaries and pacing yourself.
Look forward to it:
Exams mark the end of a challenging season, and there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of passing your tests. No hard work goes unnoticed, so study smart, use your resources ethically, and trust your abilities—you’ve got this!
There are countless online resources to help you stay motivated and on track. For more information and study tips, visit:
https://uct.ac.za/students/current-students-exams/exam-prep-tips
https://turtlejar.co.za/blog/exams-and-tests/how-to-study-for-exams
And if you need a stationery refill or a little pick-me-up, check out our website for awesome items that’ll get you excited to hit the books: https://www.officenational.co.za/education
Download our exam prep checklist here and visit our social media platforms for more tips!