The Exam Series: A Month Before The Exam
3 years ago
It’s one month until your exam. Maybe you’re starting to stress out. Maybe you’re in denial that your exams are so soon. Or maybe you’re feeling pretty good. Whichever boat you’re in, we’ve compiled our top tips that will see you safely to shore!
MAKE THE MOST OF RESN RESOURCES
At RESN, we design our resources based on our own experience as students. We want you to make the most of our collective knowledge.
Use the RESN Help forum to bombard us with questions about any subject, or even an essay you want feedback on. We’ll get back to you within 24 hours (yes, we promise). You can even ask us questions about general study tips, and post-school options.
Check out our RESN Quizzes for a database full of exam-style questions. Once you’ve answered, we’ll give you a model answer to correct yours against. Can’t get your hands on many full practice exams? We’ve got you.
Have a read of our RESN Wikis , where we compile subject-specific info. You’ll see our FAQ’s and our top tricks for nailing each subject.
We’ve recently launched RESN Free Zoom Consultations every Wednesday and Thursday 4pm-6pm. Got a burning, subject-specific question, or concern? Join our wonderful tutors on Zoom and fire away!
PRACTICE EXAMS: THE RUNDOWN
We all know practice exams are key to succeeding in Year 12.
But did you know that practicing your exam technique is just as important as knowing your content?
Each and every practice exam is an opportunity to see what the real deal will be like. Make the most of it. Try to mirror the conditions of your real exams.
Turn off your music, put a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on your bedroom door, and set your timer.
Your first practice exams will probably suck. You won’t be used to the closed-book conditions and limited time. But don’t give up! With every practice exam you do, make sure to note down mistakes and areas of weakness. Gradually, it will get easier, and you’ll begin to learn how best to approach each section/question.
Short on practice exams? Check out our practice-exam style questions on our RESN Quizzes.
STUDY TIPS
Now is the perfect time to decide which study techniques work best for you and your learning style. Studying is so specific to each and every one of us, so don’t get too caught up in what others are doing.
Do you consider yourself a visual learner?? If so, get your hands on a whiteboard. Draw yourself mind-maps and diagrams that apply the content in ways you can remember.
Or are you a flashcards person? Pro-tip: don’t fall into the trap of spending all your time making your flashcards, instead of testing yourself. There’s lots of controversy around the hand-written/typed notes debate, but don’t waste time you don’t have.
Whatever you choose, make sure your flashcards help you consolidate knowledge. There’s a tonne of online flashcard-creators you can use.
LOOK AFTER YOURSELF
Sleep well, exercise, and eat-well. This is probably the most trotted-out piece of advice. But let’s be real, it’s not always realistic or possible to do them all (especially in the lead-up to exams).
Instead, make your aim to look after yourself. If that means gorging yourself on TimTams, then go for it! Your main priority should be your mental health.
Be kind to yourself. Encourage yourself to do better each week, but don’t fret over the little fails. Trying your best is way better than not trying at all, just because you’re afraid of failing.
Most importantly? Ask for help when you need it. We’re here for you at RESN, and we want to see you do your absolute best in these exams. All you gotta do is reach out!
Words by Ella Katz