Plan how you’re going to get there – and make sure to relax afterwards

EXAMS are right around the corner for many secondary school students. Heads are firmly in books this time of year as final preparations for the Leaving Cert is in motion with a return of the option of taking written exams following last year's predictive grade system.

We think a lot of the preparation ahead of the day of the exam, but how one prepares on the day itself is equally important.

Most students will have a timetable written out – if not already memorised in their head. It is a good to have a firm idea of when and where each exam is taking place as planning your route to the venue is easily overlooked. It is better to be there early and settled before the paper is presented to you.

Make sure you have also worked out how you will approach each paper. Know how many questions you need to answer and how each of them should be.

When sitting the Leaving Cert, we often feel we should write as much as we can when in reality, quality over quantity is what is needed to take the pressure off and improve your chances of getting the result you want.

When you conclude your final study for the next exam, make sure you do something that allows you to relax and avoid the temptation to pull an all-nighter – nothing beats a good night’s sleep.

Also, try to avoid browsing the internet after study. You are most likely using your laptop to study so take a break from staring at the screen.

Finally, avoid the morning rush – precious time before the exam can be lost looking for a misplaced calculator or your last pen. Ensure you are well stocked up on stationery and it is all in place and ready to be picked up and brought to the venue.