I thought I would give some advice about exam stress and coursework deadlines. The end of march is the time when coursework deadlines are due for GCSE'S, A Levels and university degrees. Also, its the time when you need to start revising ready for summer exams. So, having been through GCSE's, A levels and university exams, here are my top tips:
1. Preparation is key
I realised from AS levels that lack of preparation reflected on my grades. At GCSE's, you can get away with starting later, but my AS grades were appalling. For my A levels, I started revising earlier, writing revision notes, practicing past papers and making sure I knew, in detail, the things I was learning. It paid off! I got into my first choice uni and had good grades at the end of it. The same applies for university assignments, the earlier you start, the more time you have to make it better and get feedback from your tutors. I can tell you that tutors won't read your work and critique it a few days before its due in. I've started revising for exams now even though my first one isn't until the 4th May. It takes away so much last minute stress and allows you to achieve the highest grade. It may be boring, but at the end of the day it could make the difference between a 2:2 or a 2:1, or getting into uni.
2. Find the most effective way of learning for you
One persons idea of revision could be your idea of hell. We all learn differently and knowing the best way that works for you will make revision so much easier. I personally like coloured pens and flash cards as I'm a visual learner, but others prefer bullet point notes, interactive quizzes and many other forms. One thing I will say is that I believe past paper questions helps to perfect your exam technique as well as improving your knowledge, and this is the best form of revision to do a few days before your exam when you (should) know everything for that exam. Also, if your exam/unit has a specification, use this as a checklist and make sure you know everything! That way nothing will come up in your exam that you won't know.
3. Whenever possible, ask for help
One thing I realised at university is that if you want extra help/feedback, you have to get it yourself. They don't spoon feed you here like they do at school. Part of growing up is being able to do things for yourself. Your tutors will be more than happy to help you when they can, but it does take an email from you to receive it. Most of my uni assignments have had minimal instructions and guidance, therefore getting help and clarity has improved my work and it means I'm able to get a good grade at the end of it. The same applies for coursework on all levels, there is nothing wrong with asking and if you ask too much, all they'll say is they can't help you with that. Ask for help to clarify anything you don't understand when revising. It will be extremely beneficial to you and there is lots of help out there!
4. Utilise the facilities
In first year uni, I didn't enter the library till a few weeks before my exams, and I regret this so much. There is so much space to just sit down and revise. They have computers, macs, laptops, books, tables, study rooms, anything that can help with work. If you can utilise this, you will get so much more work done. There are too many distractions when I work at home, so go down to your local library, listen to some music and you will easily pass four hours doing work. Our uni library is open 24 hours and around exam time, I was in there till around midnight every night. I went with friends but plugged in to concentrate, but I found that I got a lot of revision done and my exam results reflected that. There is also a cafe, sofas and it was next to the union so if you do get bored, then you could go for a walk before returning to do more work. By doing this, it will motivate you to do work whilst you're there, so give it a go!
5. Get enough sleep
This is so important. Get enough sleep whilst revising and the night before an exam/coursework deadline and it can make so much difference. Your mind will be alert and awake, making it easier to think. Drink plenty of water and eat healthily, and you can get so much more revision done. At university we are lucky to have a consolidation period where we have no lectures apart from revision sessions, so it was easy to get a good nights sleep, then go to the library during the day. If you have a 9am exam, go to bed early. Try not to get anxious as this can prevent you sleeping. Keep calm and if you have prepared effectively, you shouldn't have any stress before an exam/deadline. Remember, for exams, they are usually only an hour to two hours long, which is not long at all and not worth losing sleep over. It will go quickly and be out of the way before you know it so do not stress about it!
I hope these tips help and are useful to you. Whatever level you are at, you are continuously being tested so these can apply to all sorts of things. By following these basic tips, it can make such a big difference and you will feel calm and collected, helping you to achieve your very best.
If you need any advice then feel free to contact me via twitter, mail or comment on here! I've been taking exams and doing coursework for 7 years now so I have a lot of experience.
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