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Assessments and Exams: The Ask guide to coping

Assessments

Sometimes deadlines for assignments will clash and you may find yourself up until the early hours of the morning the night before typing feverishly on a computer to get it all done.
A good way of avoiding this is to have a wallchart or deadline list on your wall, and allocate different dates and times to different tasks. This at least ensures that you are making an effort on each task in turn. However social events and other things can often get in the way and you may find that you aren't sticking to your plans. If you are handing in assignments late, incomplete or not to the best of your potential then you are jeopardising your future by doing so. University is an autonomous experience and you are expected to be able to manage your workload efficiently. Self discipline is the key and it is always best to think and plan ahead. Always be aware of the repercussions of staying out that extra hour, or having that extra drink - it could be the difference between a pass or a fail.

Extensions

In extreme circumstances, lecturers may allow extra time for the completion of assignments and projects. Often you will have to let them know a little in advance and have a very good reason, for example a medical problem or a family bereavement. Explanations such as 'I was really steaming at the weekend', or 'I've broken a nail' will not get you any favours. If the problem occurs on the day of the deadline then you can appeal directly to your lecturer on your return and if the problem is medical you may have to provide a certificate.

Exams

Most of us experience some anxiety before exams or assessments and the adrenalin from this can actually enhance performance. However being over stressed can have a negative impact upon your studying and could cause problems in your exams.
Make anxiety work for you and not against you. Take some time now to identify the root of your anxiety. Are you a generally anxious person? Are you inadequately prepared - not enough revision time, poor revision skills or little knowledge of parts of the course because of illness, other absence or lack of effort earlier in the year? Have you had a bad experience in a previous test and think that this will happen again?
Now, having some more idea of why you are anxious you can move on what to do about it.

Preparation, preparation, preparation

• Start your revision early. Trying to cram a whole term's or year's work in the few days, or even hours, before the exam date will inevitably lead to exam anxiety and you will find that it doesn't really work that well. Take a look at your time management and basic study skills. You can get help and advice from the Centre for Academic Practice on basic study skills and time management.
• Organise your course-related material. Work on mastering the main concepts of the course rather than trying to learn everything parrot fashion. If you know the basics you can build on them throughout your study but it is important to understand what you are learning because regurgitating notes does not help you apply knowledge to a question
• Also it is good to look at areas that might come up in examinations and past papers can often be a good way of gauging examinable topics. Think about what type of questions may be asked. Try to pull together concepts and ideas from all your sources (lectures, notes, primary and secondary texts, practical exercises, class discussions) and integrate these into a cohesive answer.
• Don't panic if the work-load seems excessive, or your revision time or course work has been interrupted for some reason. Set realistic targets, learn core concepts and learn these well. A well-structured, brief answer that really addresses the question is preferable to a ramble with too many unrelated ideas.

  Change how you think about exams

• Many people fear exams because they see them as of utmost importance. Exams are only part of your overall learning and assessment, and you will have other chances to show your knowledge and skills (essays, lab reports, projects, dissertation). Look at your classes beforehand and if some are 100% examinable and some are part exam, part coursework then ensure that you give the 100% examined classes a little extra attention when revising. Not that all your classes aren't important but for the other subjects, you have at least secured some marks in that area.
• Be realistic. An "A" pass is nice, but if you set your target too high you may never reach it, and feel anxious and demoralised in the process. Also if you don't get the A in the exam, try not to feel too deflated. As long as you have done the best you can do there is no shame in not achieving your goals.
• Try to avoid thinking of yourself in a negative light. "I'm not as good as my sister, flat-mate, boyfriend". "My parents won't like me if I fail". "Yesterday's exam was a nightmare, so today's will be too". "My life will be ruined if I don't get an A". True - sometimes other people will compare you to your peers, but as long as you know you have done your best there is no need to dwell on it. Try to remain as positive as possible.

  Don't neglect the basics

The pressure of exam time can make us neglect ourselves as whole people, with emotional, biological and social needs.

• Look after yourself and your physical well-being. Eat well and keep up your usual exercise routine. Be careful of too much caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and high calorie and low nutrition snacks. Also as tempting as it may be to load up on Pro-Plus and pull all-nighters, this is not a good route to take. Not only does it affect your concentration but you will feel exhausted and your body will punish you if you don't give it the sleep and rest it needs.
• No need to give up all your social activities, but you might want to reduce them as part of your time management plan.
• Take adequate breaks, both short and long. Studying 12 hours a day, 7 days a week is a sure way to burn yourself out long before the exam date comes round.
• Sleep is essential to refresh your body and brain. Ease off studying an hour or 2 before bed -time.

  On the day

• Begin your day in good time and take time for a light meal. A cup, or 3, of strong coffee and no food can lead to light-headedness and only add to any pre-existing exam nerves.
• Resist the temptation to do some last minute revision. Anything learned at this point will only cloud your mastery of the overall concepts of the course.
• Plan to arrive at the exam hall in good time, but not too early, taking everything you need with you (but leave the notes at home).
• Avoid other students who you know will be anxious. No need to add to your own stress.
• Read a newspaper or magazine while you are waiting.

  Once in the exam hall

Remember that some anxiety at this moment is normal.

• Make yourself comfortable. Tell yourself that this is your opportunity to show to the examiner that you have worked hard. You can be anxious later. Sit with your eyes closed for a few moments. Take a few deep, slow breaths to reduce tension. Then turn over the question paper.
• First review the entire exam, then read the instructions twice. Select the questions you think you can answer best (if there is a choice) and do the easiest first to boost your confidence.
• For essay type answers spend 5 to 10 minutes on an answer plan and outline. Make notes on the paper of references, concepts, theories or cases which could be relevant. For short answer questions answer only what is asked, briefly and to the point.
• For multiple choice questions read all the options first. The immediately obvious is not always right.
• Work at a steady pace, keeping an eye on the time. If possible divide up your time as fairly as possible depending on the demands of the questions.
• If panic sets in, stop what you are doing and breathe slowly and evenly until you begin to feel calm. Tense and relax muscles in your body - shrug shoulders, stretch out your arms & legs, wiggle your toes and fingers.
• Reward yourself after the exam, whatever the outcome. After all, you did the best you could.
• If things didn't go well, move on and don't dwell on it. Plan ways of doing better next time. After every event you should always reflect and evaluate your actions and think of ways to improve.