Exam preparation, support and tips

Exam Prep Tips – Step by Step

1. Check Your Student Email for your Personal Timetable Information

Check your student email for a message from Examinations (exams@jcu.edu.au). This email will contain all the essential details for your exam, including:

• the subject name,
• exam date and time,
• how long the exam will go for,
• the campus location,
• the building and room number,
• what type of exam it is (e.g., whether it is on campus, online at home or practical), and
• a list of permitted materials.

Make sure to review this information carefully. Knowing exactly what to bring - and what items you’ll need to leave behind - will help keep you feeling confident and focused on the day.

The images below show examples of exam emails that students receive. Pay close attention to the highlighted sections—these details include essential information like the exam location, start time, permitted materials, and other important instructions. Being familiar with this information in advance will help you feel organized, avoid any last-minute surprises, and keep you focused on doing your best in the exam.

Example:

Exam: BM1032 / 1062 Anatomy and Physiology for Occupational Therapy 2 / Anatomy and Physiology for Sport and Exercise Science 2
Assessment Type: Hard Copy Paper Exam
Date: Monday 04/11/2024
Start Time: 8:45am
Duration: 2 hours plus 0 minutes reading
Campus: Townsville
Venue: 040-103
Exam Conditions:
No materials are permitted (except standard stationary i.e., pen/pencil) 
Materials Permitted:
-No materials permitted

2. Review Lecturer Summaries

At the end of the study period, lecturers often provide summaries that highlight key points, important concepts, and areas of focus for the exam. Make it a priority to review these summaries and compare them with your own notes. Look for any gaps or differences and take the opportunity to fill in missing information or clarify areas you may find challenging. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your lecturers with questions or for further explanation - they’re a valuable resource and are there to support you, especially as exam time approaches.

3. Practice with Your Tutor

Make the most of your tutor sessions by using them to simulate exam conditions. Practicing under similar timed conditions can be a great way to build your confidence and ease any pre-exam nerves. Talk with your tutor about areas where you feel less confident or topics that might need extra attention. They can help you identify any last-minute improvements or strategies to focus on, ensuring you feel fully prepared. This practice can make a real difference, giving you the familiarity and skills to handle your exam calmly and effectively.

If you’d like extra support with your studies, consider connecting with one of our Student and Academic Support Advisors to arrange a tutor. They’re here to help match you with someone who can guide you through your subject material, boost your confidence, and provide helpful strategies for tackling assessments.

4. Scope Out Your Exam Room and Parking

In the days leading up to your exam, plan a visit to campus to locate your designated exam room and explore nearby parking options. Take note of the best route to your room from the entrance, nearby restrooms, and any available amenities. Knowing exactly where you're headed and how long it takes to get there will help reduce any pre-exam stress, allowing you to focus on the exam itself instead of worrying about directions or delays. This extra bit of planning can make a big difference, helping you feel calm, prepared, and ready to succeed on exam day.

Reflect on Your Learning Style

Reflect on your study journey this study period: did you uncover your learning style? Perhaps you’re a visual learner who benefits from charts, diagrams, and color-coded notes, or maybe you’re an auditory learner who absorbs information best through discussions and listening. If you’re a kinaesthetic learner, hands-on activities, flashcards, or even pacing while you review might help concepts stick. You could also be a blend of these styles, finding that different techniques work best for different subjects.

Tailoring your study sessions to fit how you naturally learn can make revision feel more intuitive, effective, and even enjoyable. If you’re unsure, talk to your tutor or your Academic Support Advisor - they can provide insights on study methods that suit your style and suggest ways to make your preparation more productive.

Recognise Your Hard Work

Think back over the study period: Did you manage to dedicate around 10 hours each week to each subject? Attending lectures, engaging in tutorials, and consistently putting in study hours? If so, you’ve already put in significant effort to set yourself up for success! This steady commitment means you’ve built a solid foundation and are now in a great position to focus on refining what you already know. At this stage, it’s about reinforcing key concepts and strengthening your understanding.

If you feel you could have done more, take a moment to reflect on this study period and consider any small, manageable changes you might want to try next time. Identifying adjustments, such as breaking study sessions into smaller chunks or connecting with a tutor earlier, can help reduce stress and give you a stronger sense of control.

Remember, exams can be challenging, but with the right planning and strategies, you can approach them confidently. You’re closer to your goals than you think, and you’ve got what it takes to succeed!

Tailored Exam Support at the IERC

At the IERC, we’re committed to offering personalised exam preparation guidance tailored to your unique needs. We understand that every student has different learning styles and challenges, so we focus on providing you with effective study techniques that resonate with you. Whether it’s finding the right methods to memorise information or learning how to approach complex problems, we’re here to help you develop strategies that work for you.

In addition to study techniques, we recognise that exam time can bring about anxiety. Our Student and Academic Support Advisors are skilled in providing tools and tips for managing stress, allowing you to approach your exams with a calm and focused mindset. Time management is also crucial, and we’ll help you create a structured study plan to make the most of your preparation time, ensuring you cover all the necessary material without feeling overwhelmed.

Your Academic and Student Support Advisors will reach out to you in the weeks prior to your exam period to provide tailored assistance specific to your course and discipline. They’re eager to support you in navigating the exam preparation process and will offer insights that align with your academic goals. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey; we’re here to guide you every step of the way!