Exams are meant to be challenging, but good preparation and acquiring exam skills can help enhance performance and reduce nerves. Effective exam preparation includes revising early, becoming an active learner, practicing essay writing and problem solving techniques, and managing time well during the semester. Common causes of exam nerves are past bad experiences, lack of confidence, and an emphasis on memorization over skills like problem solving and time management. Students concerned about exams should seek help from tutors, academic skills advisors, student services, or counseling.

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Exams:
Surviving them…
and thriving

2. cc: paalia - https://www.flickr.com/photos/32628328@N00
Exams are challenging.
They are meant to be.

3. Some people perform better
under exam pressure than
others, but nobody has exam
superpowers.
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4. Usually those who take exams
in their stride have acquired a
number of exam skills, which
everyone can learn to
enhance their exam
performance.
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5. Good preparation is the best way
to beat nerves and perform well:
revise early in semester, become
an active learner, practice essay
writing and problem solving
techniques, and manage your
time in the 12 weeks of semester.
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6. Common reasons for exam nerves:
• a bad experience in a past exam
• lack of confidence in your abilities
• emphasis on memorisation rather
than acquiring exam skills: problem
solving, analytical skills, time
management, task analysis, essay
organisation.
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7. If you are concerned about
exam performance, seek help
immediately:
Your tutor
Academic Skills
Student Connect
Student Counselling
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