Five common exam prep mistakes (and how to avoid them)
With only two weeks until exams, it’s officially that time of trimester. The library is getting busier, the group chats are a little more frantic and suddenly someone is saying, “wait, we have an exam?”
If that sounds familiar, don’t panic. Here are five common exam prep mistakes and some simple steps to avoid them.
1. Leaving exam prep to ‘future you’
Future you always seems incredibly motivated. Future you is going to start studying tomorrow, make a timetable and somehow fit three weeks of study into one weekend. Unfortunately, future you rarely shows up.
Instead of saving everything for a last-minute cram session, break your revision into smaller, manageable chunks. Even 30 minutes of focused study is better than staring at your notes in a state of mild panic the night before the exam.
2. Just reading your notes over and over again
If you’ve read the same page of notes six times and are now simply admiring your highlighting, it might be time to change tactics.
Reading feels productive because you’re looking at the content. The real test, though, is whether you can remember it without looking.
Try covering your notes and explaining a concept in your own words. Use flashcards, quiz yourself or get a friend to ask you questions. If your brain has to work a little harder, you’re probably studying more effectively.
3. Ignoring the exam format
Imagine spending weeks preparing for an essay exam only to discover it’s mostly multiple-choice questions. Not ideal.
Different exam formats require different preparation strategies. Multiple-choice exams often test facts and details, while essay questions usually require deeper analysis and argument.
Before you start revising, make sure you know what type of exam you’re sitting. Check your course site, review assessment information and don’t skip those final lectures or tutorials. They’ll often share valuable exam tips, clarify expectations and highlight areas that deserve extra attention.
4. Skipping practice questions
Watching cooking videos doesn’t automatically make someone a chef. The same principle applies to exam preparation.
One of the best ways to prepare is by actually answering questions. If past exams are available, give them a go under realistic conditions. Set a timer, put your phone away and see how you do.
Practice questions can help identify knowledge gaps, improve time management and make the real exam feel a lot less intimidating.
5. Treating yourself like a machine
Sleep… four hours is ok, right?
A proper meal… does a family-size bag of chips count?
When deadlines and exams pile up, self-care is often the first thing to disappear. But sleep, exercise and nourishing food aren’t distractions from studying, they’re part of studying.
A well-rested brain performs better than an exhausted one. Make time to recharge, even when it feels like there’s too much to do.
Need a hand?
The Library’s exam prep resources include revision strategies, self-testing techniques and practical exam-day advice. If you missed our Skills for quizzes and tests workshop, don’t worry, you can still catch-up by watching our video covering the topic.
Whether you’re just starting your revision or counting down the days until your final exam, the Library will be here to help. Any questions, contact us!
