We have an expert here: our blogger Daria, with a lot of successfully passed exams behind her. She is sharing her tips to go ready and relaxed to your next exam. We found it very useful and we hope you will too!

Are you anxious about your future exams? I know what it feels like. I am studying for my third diploma, and it is hard to count how many exams I’ve passed on my way. Let me help you to relieve your anxiety: these are my tips on how to nail every exam.

First, socialize. It may seem unrelated, but friends can be really helpful during exam preparation. Preparing together can be motivating, exchanging ideas and discussion will help you remember the material better, but most importantly, together you can split the articles you need to read and make summaries. It is very hard to cope with all the reading materials on your own. In addition (but not compulsory) you can try to find people who took the course before. They can give you hints about what the exam might be like or share useful materials.

Second, understand your priorities. Which grade are you aiming at? (Hint: 10 is almost unachievable). At the beginning of the course read the course manual – it is always useful – and estimate how much is needed to be done for the course project and for the exam to get the grade you want. Plan ahead.

Third, start in advance. You will have a week or so after the classes are done to prepare for the exam, but in order to avoid studying 24/7, it is better to start earlier. Do the required reading during the course and do not postpone it to the study week. Trust me, I made that mistake.

Fourth, listen to the professor. This person is (almost always) the one who wrote the exam tasks, and he/she is (again, almost always) the one who will grade them. Try to understand how the professor thinks and what he/she is expecting from you.

Fifth, do not hesitate to ask questions. If something is unclear, just ask – your professor, other students, or course coordinator.

Sixth, learn in advance about the exam process. How long it will be, where the place is, how cold the room is (it can be quite an important aspect, bring an extra layer). Do not forget to have some water, a good pen and pencil and whatever else you will need to feel more comfortable.

Finally, take care of yourself. Get rest when you need it and go out once in a while. Don’t study 100% of your time. Get help if needed - for example, VU provides Academic Advisor services.

Hope that was helpful! Good luck with your future exams!

Kind regards,

Daria