CIE examinations can be stressful and overwhelming for some students. Speaking from personal experiences, some sacrifices were made in order to obtain A*s.
If you are just starting A levels, IGCSE or O levels, then GREAT! You still have time to follow these tips before it is too late.
1. Do your research. Each university majors require specific subjects to be taken. E.g. chemical engineering requires students to take chemistry, physics and a subject of choice (Each must exceed the major’s minimum grade) in most universities.
2. Choose your subjects carefully. Pick subjects that align with your interests and career path. Time would be required in these examinations (A lot of time!). So choose subjects you will not mind spending hours on.
3. Allocate time for reviews after school hours. This does not include homework and projects! Reviewing topics to be taught is essential to stay ahead of the class.
4. Do your notes. Most students are overwhelmed by the materials needed to be covered before exams. Notes are essential to skip through unnecessary materials in the textbook.
5. Set realistic study goals. There have been lots of proven scientific research suggesting that goal setting can be used to overcome challenging targets.
6. Make a study plan for each subjects. Many students have failed their exams due to last-minute cramming. To break this cycle, a detailed well-organised study plan would eliminate the anxiety of feeling unprepared. (Make sure you stick to your study plan!)
7. Take regular study breaks. Breaks are just as important as studying, as no single information can be digested on an overheating brain. Take a 10 minutes walk, chat with a friend, drink a cup of tea or exercise. It may feel like procrastination, but after an hour of studying, it is crucial to put away some time for recovery. No one is superman!
8. Ask questions in class. Classes provide priceless opportunities to test your understanding on difficult topics; clear out doubts on confusing questions. (you may find it useful to circle difficult questions at home and consult your teachers the next day)
9. Do tons of PAST PAPERS. Students are required to know the ‘How To’s’ of answering these questions. There is always a pattern! Once you have noticed and understood it, other questions will seem repetitive.
10. Just START. The problem most students faced these days is the inability to take action. Students ended up procrastinating hours watching YouTube videos, playing games and in front of the television; which time can be used to study, review and make notes.
11. Be positive. Your set of mind determines the effectiveness of your learning process. So before you think of different negative outcomes after hours of learning, think of the rewards you could have achieved instead. This will give you the motivation to start and achieve your daily study goals.
12. Find a suitable study environment. Whether it is your school’s library, your bedroom or your bathroom. Find a place that is quiet and has the least distractions.
13. Stay hydrated. Water is necessary for the brain to be working at its optimum capacity. You do not want to stare blankly at your notes or exam paper due to dehydration!
Every learner will have different study preferences, so it is important to find what best suits you, especially months before the exam.