Before the Exam:

The duration of time before the exam is more important than the exam itself. This is the opportunity you have to plan, prepare and practise what you have learnt throughout the year.

Preparing for an exam is like preparing for an important athletic event or a wedding. You cannot just show up on the day and hope for the best.

A lot of ground work is required. This will help you develop a firm foundation on which you can build your way to your desired result.

Preparation tips:

• Start early, plan ahead. Attempt studying in set blocks don't try and do it all in one day or the day before.
• Allocate some time at the start of your study period to ensure you have all the module material. There is no point in only knowing 1/3 of the material. Sit down with friends and compare notes or check web CT. If in doubt contact a class mate or the lecture. Familiarise yourself with all your material.
• Now that you have your materials in place look at previous years exam papers. This should be done in accordance with the C.A's you completed during the year (class tests or written coursework). These assignments sometimes give an insight into the main area of a particular module that should be revised in greater detail.
• Know your paper, how many questions do you have to answer, how long will you spend on each question. Is calculation involved? This will help you format your study plan.
• Now let the study begin, it is very important you establish a healthy routine that suits you. Don't let anyone tell you how you should study. However I would advise you to have a plan in place, allocate breaks, rest time and fun time. Practise answering the questions in the same way you will answer them in the exam.
• If you are in any doubt about a particular area don't shy away from it, ask a friend or someone a year ahead who has done it before, ask the lecturer, contact the SU and avail of the grinds system. There are numerous supports available for you.
• If you are feeling nervous don't worry, nerves are good they show you care. However if you feel really stressed talk to someone, contact Karen or anyone else from the Union or student services team, we are all here for you.
• Identify key (remove (s) points within a subject to aid you if you do run out of time, blank answers get you no marks.
• The night before revise your course material; ensure you know the time and location of your exam. Check you have the sufficient stationary equipment ready (pens, rulers, calculator etc.). Have your t-card , bottle of water and seat number available. Get a big sleep and try relaxing.
• Know the rules of the exam hall, no phones.

During the exam

• Start every exam by arriving on time.
• Read all rules and questions slowly and carefully.
• Write down points that come to mind as you read a question.
• Allocate suitable time to all questions, don't neglect any question and mark questions which may need more attention.
• Highlight what question you're answering then answer it as clearly as possible, examiners like to be able to read your answers!
• Try and stick to facts avoid the waffle; identify the point the examiner is seeking by the wording of the question.
• Always leave extra space. You may remember more.
• Don't cram/draw arrows, if you make a mistake one line through it will do, always show calculations or rough work!
• If you get a mental block, stop, breathe, take a drink, go to the bathroom, talk positively to yourself and voila there is the information!
• Finally allow time to review/re-read all answers, it's amazing how some words find their way into sentences!