Surviving Exam Season

Are you scratching your head a lot; skipping your meals (but somehow always finding time for Facebook); spending sleepless nights and losing track of time? Say hello to the exam season!

Even the most brilliant of students sometimes find it difficult to manage study load towards the end of the semester, succumbing to the pressure of looming essays and assignment deadlines. But this is the one time when you really need to be performing at your best. Do badly in end of semester exams and essays, and it could undermine all the efforts you’ve made during the last few months.

Here are my tips on how to survive the exam season, to avoid any difficulties or disasters...

Stop procrastinating - do it now!

Sure, what can be done today can also be done tomorrow or day after that. But make sure that mantra only applies to your social hangouts for the time being. When it comes to studies, especially during the exam season, stop procrastinating and address any issues as soon as they come up.

I have already spoken about following a study timetable in my previous posts. This could help here as well. So if you are thinking of reading a chapter tomorrow, it is better to do it today. In fact, go do it right now. Stop procrastinating!

Meet essay deadlines – or ask for an extension

The end of the semester often means not only exams, but also assignments due. Many students will find themselves finishing these right at the deadline, or even missing the deadline altogether.

In the first place, it is obviously better to submit assignments as far before the deadline as possible. However, don’t panic if you are unable to do so for some reason. If you need to, ask for an extension. Your teacher is not a cruel person who would want to punish you by death for missing a deadline! That said, you should be able to provide a convincing reason, and within good time – do not leave it until minutes before the assignment is due.

Join a study group

It is always a good idea to take part in a study group with your friends and classmates. You’ll find they can help you understand ideas that you would not clearly get otherwise. Likewise, you can also assist them through your insights – and often explaining something to someone else is the best way to get it fixed in your own mind. This is a win-win situation, as long as you are all committed to getting the most out of the study sessions.

Meet your course coordinator

The exam is near and nothing seems to be helping you. You are confused and fear you will not do well. Stop right there and take a deep breath. You should always seek assistance from your course coordinator in such a scenario. Tell him/her what you are struggling to understand. Believe me, they are there to help you. Don’t distance yourself from your coordinators.

Take time out

You have spent months preparing, by yourself and with your study group, for the exams. They are finally here and you are ready to climb a ladder of success once they are over. Some of you might be graduating after this exam season, leaving behind the university setting after this experience. Whether you’re leaving for good or just have a shorter period of respite, take some time out to relax, relish the moment, and thoroughly de-stress.

Best of luck!

Are you preparing for end of semester exams? Share your survival tips in the comments below.