Here are the top 6 questions students
asked our Exam Coach, Sam Kotania

Make sure you get your questions answered by posting them here..

Sam will be available to ask questions between Monday 10th March - Friday 14th

"How do you finish exams in time?"

Roughly speaking try to divide each question into the time allowed for your exam. For example if there are 5 main questions and you have 1 hour, you should allow yourself 20 minutes per question. When you go over this time limit per question, move on, and if you have extra time at the end you can revisit any areas that you need to. Spend 2-3 mins working out roughly how long you can spend on each question at the beginning of the exam, hope this helps.

"Hi, I was just wondering what is the best way to revise? Is it to do it parrot fashion and read it over and over again, is it to make flash cards with the most important pieces of information on them, or is there any other revision technique that is the most effective. I’m asking this because I have literally NO attention span. I get distracted by the littlest thing, and I'm just trying to find out the best way to get the information into my head."

With revision it is certainly more about quality not quantity. Parrot fashion revision is likely to bore you. Make sure that your revision is stimulating.

Memory ideas - Stand-up by your desk and give a small lecture on the notes you have read. Get active with your notes! Decorate your notes, and make sure that you really engage with them. If you are totally bored you remember less.

Attention ideas - Make sure that you turn your phone off, unplug your TV and computer and find a way not to be distracted. Also work in small bite-size pieces. 20 mins on, 10 mins off, and repeat this pattern. Don't work for long periods in one go. Also try some classical music whilst you revise. It helps me relax, and focus for longer periods of time. There is plenty on YouTube to listen to for free.

"I am capable of cutting down on sleep and I can survive just fine on about 4 hours. Is that enough? Does less sleep slow your brain down?"

Remember that it is quality not quantity with revision. Do make sure that you get at least 6 hours of sleep. It will help you in the exam. Also read a few key notes before falling asleep. When you awake they will be fresh in your mind.

Just before an exam, I become quite stressed and seem to forget everything I just remembered. Please can you help me become more calm and relaxed?

Thanks for your question. One of my favourite tips is to go over your key revision notes just before you fall asleep. The brain will lock in the key information, and trust me it will come out in the exam. Just before the exam, keep busy, by being active. Moving around, listening to music, eating something, drinking water, etc. This will keep your mind away from your worries. Don't over rehearse your notes before your exam. Trust that your revision notes are locked away in your long-term memory. Watch comedy before your exam. If you feel good before your exam you will be able to think on your feet and perform well. Start on an easy question to boost confidence, as well! Hope this helps!! Good Luck.

Hey, how do you keep motivated to revise without giving up and getting bored? I have loads of revision guides and all my notes are colourful but I still get bored of learning the same thing again and again! I still can't remember all the details though!

Hi Phoebe, I hope you are well. I would suggest working in short bursts (if you don't already). Say your notes out loud, and get friends and family to quiz you. Start completing past papers at home under mock-exam conditions. This will add some intensity which will keep you stimulated. It sounds like you need to mix-it up a bit. Again, when you are feeling bored take a 5 minutes break even if you have only worked for 10 mins or so. Quality not quantity is more important when revising.

Please help me out. I have like a week till exams and I’m really nervous. I have started revision today and I’m really worried whether I would be able to finish by then. Are there any tips you can suggest for economics and business? I have a week and I want to make the best out of it.

Having worked in professional football for several years, the best way to make use of your practice time is to make your practice as realistic as possible. Between now and your exams, go through the past papers under mock-exam conditions in your bedroom. Keep your text handy if you get stuck. At least if you have to refer to the book because you are weak on a topic you are revising the material in the best possible context......the exam!

Going through the past papers this way will help to control your nerves in prep for the exams. Also remember that a certain amount of nerves are good. It will keep you on your toes. If they get too much, exercise and drinking plenty of water have helped me. You will be fine!