Dear future ‘game changers’, you are now at the business end of Matric in the form of exams. Undoubtedly a trying time, here is my strategy to Nailing The Matric Exam.
Before the exam;
- Practice
Usain Bolt practices for 100m sprint by running 100m sprints. Similarly the best practice for your examination is previous year exams under exam conditions. The more you do the better you’ll perform. - Manage your anxiety
Anxiety is perfectly normal for something as important as this however if left unchecked can severely affect your cognitive skills. Use mindfulness and meditation techniques to dissolve anxiety. Apps like Calm and Insight Timer have many exercises that help. - Eat healthy and exercise
Reduce the amount of refined sugar, processed foods and energy drinks and bars. These might give you an initial energy burst but cause a massive drop in concentration thereafter.
Do some form of exercise for 45 to 60 mins a day. For a fluid mind we must cultivate a mobile healthy body. Yoga or tai chi is best as it cultivates mindfulness whilst promoting energy in the body.
On the day of the exam;
- Have a healthy breakfast.
Once again no sugar or stimulants - Get to the exam venue early.
If you’re there early you won’t be panicked about missing the exam - Beware the ‘chicken littles’.
No doubt there will some unprepared panicky students around who will be asking all manner of questions which can increase anxiety. Find a quiet spot, isolate yourself and when its time get your seat. - Don’t review anything on the day.
Floyd Mayweather Jr does no prep on a fight day simply because he is confident of the effort he has put in prior to a big fight. Have that same confidence. You’ve nailed the exam many times in practice, it’s now just a matter of one more time.
In the exam;
- Have all stationary ready. Ensure your pens write, pencils are sharp and calculators are working. Have spares of everything
- Plan
Use your reading time to strategize as to what to answer first, then second and so on - Breathe, just breathe.
Just as Luke Skywalker told Rey. Deep breathing will enhance cognition and memory recall - Easy does it
Answer the easiest question first then the next easiest and so on. Answering the easier first increases confidence, reduces anxiety and frees up more time for more challenging questions. Remember that you don’t have to answer sequentially. - Monitor your time.
Use the mark per minute allocation. If any question is stumping you , do what you can and then move to the next. Answer all questions and leave no questions blank. Remember that the marker can give part marks for something written but nothing if nothing is written. If you finish early review your work. Make use of all time given.
After the exam:
- Get out of there asap
Don’t linger and resist the urge to discuss the paper. What’s done is done and know that you gave your best. Go home and ready yourself for the next paper - Reflect
Take time to reflect on anything you could have done more effectively and then apply to your next exam.
Follow these guidelines to Nailing The Matric Exam and I can guarantee that the probability of a favourable outcome increases immensely.
I wish you all the best! May the Force be with you.
‘Nailing The Matric Exam’ Written by Udersh Mahesh – Senior Tutor at Easy as Pi online tutoring service for more details use the contact links below.
I hold a degree in Engineering and possess previous experience as an educator and tutor. I am passionate about personal development. It is my mission to demonstrate the beauty and power of mathematics and impart this skill to my students to ultimately help them achieve their maximum potential.