There are less and less people on the streets. Bars are closing down. One can barely hear of any parties. Facebook shows two friends online. Yes, you have guessed it – Exams. Throughout the semester, students are swamped with research papers, presentations, tests – and then comes the Grand Finale, a whole month of written and verbal examinations.

We all think we mastered the whole process, from the beginning to its (un)successful end. Nevertheless, there are tips that are definitely worth mentioning:

STUDYING

• If you are reading from a textbook, reader or any other book, first skim through the whole material before reading it in depth. This will give you a general overview of what you need to know.
• Organize your time in such a way to include studying, revision and social interaction – a balance of rest, having fun and studying is a perfect combination.
• Bear in mind that Facebook, texting, or gossiping on the phone will not improve your chances of passing the exam.
• Have a chocolate bar or any glucose sweet to help energy get to your brain. You can go on a diet after the exams.
• Use notes and review them regularly. Try to find multi-colored ones, it is proven that they help memorize thing easier.
• Ask any older students if who may have taken the course earlier. They might have tips on the test format or even usual questions asked by the professor.
• Use the internet. There are scholarly websites that can provide you with essential articles and research. Also, be on the lookout for the TOLEDO website. Your professors may have posted some last minute reports, instructions or advice.

EXAM DAY

• Bring both pencils and pens. Some exams may require pencils, and other ones pens. Bring spare ones, in case they stop working.
• Do not be late for the exam. Get up earlier than usual, have a light breakfast and be in the classroom at least 15 minutes before the start of the exam. Take in account the weather, traffic jams and the fact that someone may have stolen your bike overnight.
• Try to get a good night’s sleep before the exam. Studying all night may be necessary, but is definitely not useful.
• Try not to drink before the exam. Beers may be cheap in Belgium, but there is going to be enough time to celebrate after the exam period.

WRITING TIPS

• Keep the written language simple. Too many contrasts and links can make the text seem incomprehensible and artificial.
• Always cite your sources. Plagiarism can disqualify you from the exam

MULTIPLE CHOICE TIPS

• Sometimes the professor may use the same letter successively as the correct answer. Do not get anxious, that is a part of professors’ tactics. They use this to avoid chances of students guessing the answers without actually studying.
• A professor may use a right word but the answer may be wrong. This is also a way of them singling out the possibility of getting the right answer by chance. So, read the answers carefully to avoid confusion.

SPEAKING TIPS

• Learning the texts and speeches by heart will not help you. It can only show the professor that you cannot think in your own words and that you just reproduce information like a parrot. Try to sound natural and use your own expressions.
• If you get a mental block, breathe deeply and relax. In a matter of seconds the oxygen will get to your brain and you will remember everything.

AFTER THE EXAM

Forget about the exams you have just taken. There is nothing you can do to improve your score or chances of passing. Think ahead. Look at your schedule and see what time is the next exam and because there is a lot you can do for that one.

After the whole examination period, just relax, and meet up with your friends. Stop talking about how it went, or discuss if it could have gone better. You deserved any grade you got. Good luck! |