Exam room tips

Before you go into the exam

Stay calm. Do some deep breathing exercises to help you relax
Avoid talking to others if you know this makes you anxious. Last minute discussion about what may or may not be on the exam paper will not be helpful

Approach the exam with energy, determined to do your best
Then read the directions carefully. If you do not understand anything ask a supervisor
Skim over the whole exam paper to see how it is organised and what questions are asked
Note the marks you could get for each question and plan the time you will spend on each one
Set your priorities. It is usually best to do the easy questions first to give you confidence
Depending on the length of the exam, it might be helpful to spend 15 minutes making quick notes (key words or phrases) on each question before you start

Accept the questions at face value
Give your full attention to the question at hand
Think before you write
Note key points on scrap paper before writing your answers
Re-read your answers and make any changes needed
Tick off the questions on the exam paper as you answer them
Keep an eye on the clock to make sure you leave time to answer compulsory or high value questions

Focus on the exam, not what other people are doing. Ignore people who finish early
Don't worry about what you don't know or what you should have reviewed. Instead, focus on what you do know
If you go blank, move on to another question and come back to it later. If it's an essay question, jot down what you can remember on scrap paper. This might help you remember other things
If you feel tense or tight, put your pen down for a moment and try to relax. Take some slow, deep breaths. Concentrate on your breathing, then go back to the exam paper