Help for exam techniques- freezing up in the exam (1 Viewer)

[v.tex]

So basically, I study really hard for my exams and I know for sure that I know all the content going into the exam. In reading time, I look at the paper and know I can do all the questions pretty well.

However as soon as reading time ends that timer starts ticking and I get so stressed and freeze up. I start wasting heaps of time getting stuck on easy questions and skip many even though I know I can do them, I just look at the exam timer and feel I am already running out of time.

This has lead to me getting many unfavourable results, particularly in my math exams where I get beat by guys who I know I was more prepared then. I literally help them in class and everything, but I just can't write an exam...

So im wondering, do you guys ahve any tips for me to fix this, as I know I am capable of doing way better but my scores lag behind due to me freezing up as soon as i enter the exam hall.

 

[C2H6O]

I’m back cause procrastinating.
Use reading time to skim through the test then solve at as many (5-7ish) mcq’s which can be solved in your head. That way when you start writing you can instantly smash out a couple questions and get into the mood for exam

 

[cheesynooby]

some things that I find useful:
1. do past papers under strict exam conditions so you get used to the exam vibe (maybe this is exposure therapy)
2. spend the reading time identifying the easy questions and brainstorm how you could solve questions so then...
3. do all the easy questions first for a confidence boost (kinda like what C2H6O said)
4. I also like to always make 1 or 2 "benchmarks", like set times by which you should have finished a certain number of questions. This gives you confidence if you are meeting them (and even if you aren't I think it's better than realising once you have 10 minutes left and the full panic makes those 10 minutes unproductive)
5. don't cram before the exam. It boosts your confidence knowing you don't need to <: and cramming will just make you more stressed.

 

[Kat.crazi]

I have the same issue, especially in math. The only advice I can offer is if you haven’t been able to start a question within one minute, skip it and come back later (ESPECIALLY if worth minimal marks). I’ve missed out on huge chunks of papers because I’ve got so fixated over one question (usually worth only 1 or 2 marks), then panicked and been unable to focus for the rest of the exam. Do what you know well first (like others have said), so at least at the end of the exam you know you haven’t missed out on marks you definitely could have gotten. Best of luck

 

[killer queen]

This advice might not be much, but all I can say is - if you think of something? Write it down. Even if it’s just a formula. Like, if the question is a 3 marker, the marker will be looking to also find people to award 1 or 2 marks to. So you might be able to get one mark for identifying a formula! In the marking centre, sometimes they actively change the marking criteria in order to match the sorts of responses they’re getting, so it’s completely worth it. And then, as @Kat.crazi said, come back to it later. I once (in an exam) was super stuck on a mathematical induction question so I came back to it at the end, and it turned out I had completely forgotten to use the assumption

You can do it!

 

[hscccc]

i think u should address the stress/anxiety u experience during the exam bc it seems like you go in well prepared, so its not a lack of knowledge of the content. u have to figure out a way to calm urself down when u are in the exam, so you don't blank

sounds basic, but take some time to focus on ur breathing (maybe box breathing techniques??) during ur reading time and right before writing time starts. As u read ur first question, take a deep breath and try to relax as much as possible. take a sip of water etc.

work out an allotted amount of time for each section so you know how much time you have in the exam, hopefully this will ease that concern so you don't feel like ur running out of time.

maybe work out some kind of positive affirmation, "I have time, I know the content, I can do this" type thing. what we tell ourselves can have an impact on our mindset esp in exam conditions.

continue to be very well prepared and replicate the exam conditions at home as a way to ensure yourself that you are prepared and that you have enough time, as evidence for your brain that you are ok and u know the content.

stress management meditations or visualisation scenarios could also help? i remember doing some specific ones for exams which helped me calm down and I was able to visualise myself completing the exam etc.

mayb u could apply for provisions and get rest breaks if it is seriously affecting u. you could use the rest break to reset and try and destress. They also kind of make u feel like u have more time (it does provide more thinking time). but ofc you'd have to get the right documentation to apply for this.

 

[zzz5428]

Ngl this sounds like you panick when you see a question you cannot do. Assuming I'm right, I would just skip over the question completely and don't give it a second thought. Chances are if you can't do it, a significant portion of your cohort cannot do it either. If you find yourself not knowing too many questions, that probably indicates a lack of practice answering question (not the same as not knowing content as they answering and knowing is very different).

 

[jane1820]

1. do past papers under strict exam conditions so you get used to the exam vibe (maybe this is exposure therapy).

this NEVER works for me, whenever i do a timed practice paper my mind knows its practice n so idgaf so i never get stressed which is very opposite to me in exams i get so stressed when its the last 10min