Pre-Exam Checklist for Students

After learning so much over the past few years, the thought of having to revise everything, remember it and get it onto an exam paper can be daunting and overwhelming for many. With the right strategies and support, you can make the process more manageable and less stressful.

The key to exam success lies in effective time management, organisation, and prioritising your well-being. Here’s some advice on preparing for your exam revision and also the exam day itself!

Create a Revision Timetable 

Start by listing all the subjects and keeping a list of the topics in the exam. Prioritise areas that you find more challenging, allocating extra time to those, while maintaining a balanced approach across all subjects. It's better to be 80% confident in all the content than 100% confident in only half of it!

Remember to:

• Schedule shorter, focused study sessions for optimal concentration.
• Include regular breaks to recharge and avoid burnout.
• Be realistic about how much you can achieve each day.

Sherpa uses these techniques in its very own revision planning tool that helps you organise and track your GCSE revision progress.

If you are not doing GCSEs, read this blog on how to create your own modernised version of a topic tracking revision planner.

Whether you prefer a hand-drawn timetable or using digital solutions, make sure your schedule is tailored to your needs. Reflect on what you’ve covered during the year and give more time to those topics you might need more practice on.

Personalisation will help you stay on track and motivated. It is beneficial to set yourself small, achievable SMART goals, reward yourself with progress you make and remind yourself of your long-term goals that these exams are stepping stones towards. 

Past Paper Practice

Past paper practice is pivotal to exam success as you can get familiar with the format, question types and marking criteria. Before each exam, try to focus your remaining time on getting familiar with answering these without your notes.

Past paper practice is also particularly important for subjects with longer high-scoring essay questions, as well as Maths and Sciences, where regular practice is key to success to prevent mistakes. Here’s how to make the most of past paper practice:

• Spot Patterns: Look for recurring questions or commonly tested topics to identify areas that are frequently emphasised.
• Simulate Exam Conditions: Complete a mock exam at home under timed, distraction-free conditions to practice time management and reduce exam-day nerves.
• Review and Reflect: Mark your answers using the official mark schemes, paying close attention to where marks are awarded. Log any mistakes and highlight weaker areas, so you can focus your revision efforts more effectively.

Revise Smarter, not just Harder!

Effective revision isn’t about the number of hours you spend—it’s about using the right techniques for your learning style and subjects. Here are some smart strategies to help you prepare more effectively:

• Tailor Your Techniques: Different subjects call for different approaches. For languages, have a friend or family member quiz you on vocabulary. For topics with lots of details, try flashcards sorted by subject or topic.
• Use Visual Aids: Mind maps are a great way to connect ideas, while sticky notes placed around your space can help reinforce key facts you need to remember at a glance without having to reread pages of notes.
• Leverage Technology: There are many apps available for creating digital notes, practising recall, or even scheduling study sessions. Find tools that complement your learning style. Certain apps will allow you to create flashcards or quizzes to test yourself. You can also watch videos on YouTube to help with your understanding of complex or weaker topics.
• Teach to Learn: Explaining a concept to someone else is one of the most powerful ways to solidify your understanding. It forces you to break down complex ideas into simpler terms, reinforcing your knowledge.
• Group vs Individual study: Some students will find group studying more beneficial than studying alone, as this can provide different perspectives and accountability. For example, your friend might be really confident in a particular topic that you are struggling with and will then be able to provide support for you. On the other hand, individual study can be more focused and flexible. Some students like to work in silence and are more productive working alone. 

Remember, everyone learns differently. Experiment with these methods to find what works best for you and make your revision time as productive as possible.

Looking After Your Mental and Physical Well-being

Your well-being is just as important as your study schedule during exam season. Stress and exhaustion can hinder your ability to perform, so make self-care a priority.

Here are some tips to help balance revision and your downtime:

Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation: 

Techniques like yoga, breathing exercises, or mindfulness meditation can help you manage stress and stay focused.

Exercise

Exercise is one of the best ways to switch off from school and look after your physical and mental health. This could involve going for a run, going to the gym, or even just walking your dog outside or doing a 10-minute stretch. Any movement at all will be beneficial for both your physical and mental health, allowing you to switch off for a while while also getting your blood pumping and endorphins flowing so you feel energised for the road ahead.

Prioritise Sleep: 

A good night’s sleep is essential for concentration and energy. Aim for 7–9 hours each night, and try to avoid caffeine or screens before bedtime to improve sleep quality.

Eat Nutritious Meals: 

Fuel your body with a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and energy-sustaining carbohydrates. Healthy eating supports better focus and stamina.

Stay Hydrated: 

Drinking enough water throughout the day is crucial for maintaining concentration and avoiding fatigue.

Support Systems: 

Remember that your friends, family and teachers are there to support you and want the best for you and can play a role in reducing stress and providing encouragement. You should seek help from someone close to you if you are struggling with harder topics or need emotional support. This can be a stressful and difficult time for everybody, so remember that you are not alone!

Taking small, consistent steps to care for your well-being will help you stay calm, focused, and ready to tackle your exams. If things don’t go well one day, don’t despair. Just try to learn a lesson and try to change something tomorrow!

Overworking can lead to burnout and negatively impact your performance. So too can over-relaxing until the tasks become overwhelming. Think of looking after your well-being as part of your exam preparation, but always prioritise your mental health first.

Managing Exam Anxiety

Exams can feel intimidating and nerve-wracking, but with proper preparation, you can manage your anxiety and approach the day with confidence.

Here’s some advice on how to stay calm and prepared the night before an exam:

• Pack Ahead: Ensure you have all the necessary stationery, calculators, and any other permitted equipment packed the night before. You’ll sleep easier knowing that if the worst comes to the worst, you can get up and leave on time with everything.
• Leave Time to Relax: It might be tempting to do some last-minute cramming, but keep this to a minimum. Refresh some things you’ve already learned, stay away from new content and do something relaxing before bed.
• Get Enough Sleep: If you’ve ever stayed up too late and had too little sleep, you’ll know you wake up without your brain in top form. Get an early night and remind yourself you’ve done enough - even if you don’t believe it!
• Know the Details: Be confident about the location of your exam venue and the start time. Arriving early can help you settle in and avoid last-minute stress.
• Find Your Strategy: Work in a way that suits you best during the exam. Some people tackle the hardest questions first, others start with the ones they’re most confident about, and some prefer to go through the paper in order. Practising with past papers at home will help you determine the method that works for you. Remember, if you have enough time at the end of the paper, to check through and review your answers.

Final Thoughts

Exams are undoubtedly stressful, but preparation is the key to success. Following the tips on this page will make you feel more confident and ready to face your exams. Most importantly, believe in yourself and remember that your grades don’t define your worth as a person.

You’ve got this—prepare well, trust your abilities, and give it your best!