Brilliant students feel the pressure of stress during exams because they are focused on achieving their ambitious goals and meeting high expectations. Their drive for success pushes them to strive for excellence, sometimes intensifying the pressure they place on themselves.
On the other hand, less motivated students may appear indifferent towards exams. They are not as stressed out because they are complacent with whatever outcome they achieve. Sometimes, it can be interpreted as a lack of ambition or accountability.
However there are some mastermind tips that help you in reducing stress during exams.
Preparing for Exam Day
Before diving into the tips, it’s essential to prepare yourself the day before the exam by:
- Getting enough sleep by going to bed early.
- Preparing all your tools and the outfit you’ll wear the next day.
- Arriving at the exam hall well ahead of time. Being late will only add to the stress and anxiety associated with exams.
Many students tend to review the material with friends just minutes before the exam, only to leave the hall disappointed and confused due to scattered thoughts during the test. It’s better to avoid reviewing anything at least 30 minutes before the exam unless you find it motivating to study with colleagues. Otherwise, I don’t recommend last-minute reviews. Do not worry if you feel that you have forgotten all the information—it’s a common feeling that usually disappears as you begin answering the questions.
Tips to Overcome Stress During the Exam
- Seek Help from Allah and Trust Him
- When you receive the exam paper, start by reciting a prayer for success.
- Sit Comfortably and Breathe Deeply
- Maintain a relaxed posture and take deep breaths to calm yourself.
- Read the Questions Carefully
- Take your time to read each question thoroughly and understand what is required.
- Plan Your Answers
- Decide how you want to approach the questions. You can start with the short and easy ones as a warm-up or tackle the more difficult ones first to ease your stress.
- Answer Thoughtfully
- Avoid rushing your answers. Take your time, think through your sentences before writing. If you encounter a confusing question, don’t waste time on it. Move on to the other questions and come back to it later.
- Ignore What Others Are Doing
- Don’t pay attention to what other students are doing—whether they seem focused or stressed, either scenario can make you more anxious.
- Don’t Worry About Early Submissions
- If other students submit their papers early, remember that you are in an exam, not a race. Focus on your own work.
- Avoid Post-Exam Review
- After leaving the hall, avoid reviewing your answers or calculating your potential marks, especially if you have another exam the following day. Focus on preparing for the next exam instead of discouraging yourself over any mistakes you might have made.
This is a personal piece of advice I’ve followed for a long time, and it has positively impacted my performance during exam periods, by Allah’s grace.
In Conclusion:
I wish you the best and would hope that throughout your studies you reap the reward of your toil. Success can be crowned through your efforts.
