Final matric exams kicked off on Monday 15 October, so make the most of the time available before and during them.
“The upcoming exams represent the culmination of 12 years of hard work, and will play an important part in determining what options are open to you after school,” says Wonga Ntshinga, of The Independent Institute of Education, the country’s largest private higher education institution.
Ntshinga shared a few hacks to get matriculants through this milestone.
Get organised
Review your study schedule. What work do you still need to cover, and how much time will you have between papers? Draw up a new roster and be sure to stick to it.
Narrow down your reviewing
Once you enter the exam period, you should have covered all your materials. Now is the time focus your attention on the sections of work that are almost certainly going to be tested and master them – rather than trying to re-read your whole textbook.
Breathe, and get your head in the right space
Your biggest weapon right now is the ability to remain calm and perform under pressure. Download one of the many mindfulness apps available online and invest 5-10 minutes in calming your nerves before you step into the exam room. Managing your anxiety ahead of each paper will go a long way towards helping to avoid mind blanks during the exam.
Stay healthy
Don’t start stress-eating or staying up into the early morning hours before an exam to cram. No matter how hard you worked, if your body and mind are tired and worn out, you won’t be able to reflect your effort in your papers accurately. Take regular scheduled breaks, get plenty of water, exercise, sleep, and eat as healthy as possible.
Keep your focus
As the exam progresses and you have less and less subjects to write don’t start relaxing too soon. Keep your focus right until the end. Working for each mark can mean the difference between being accepted into the institution and the course of your choice, or having to look at other options. If things did not go well in one subject, let it go and focus on what lies ahead. Stop stressing about the subjects you have already written.
Defer your concerns
It is helpful to visualise your plans continuously for next year, and match that dream with the performance you need to get there. But don’t let these motivational thoughts turn negative. After the exams you still have time to investigate all your study/work options, and to match your interests and performance to the amazing paths available.
