Facing an exam

The end of the semester is approaching, and with it the exam session that can throw you for a loop. You may not yet know how to prepare for your exams, and that can lead to a lot of stress. Rest assured, there are a number of things you can do to channel this feeling. If you prepare yourself well in advance, you'll have all the keys you need to tackle this rather unusual time of year.

Prepare yourself well in advance, and you'll have all the keys you need to tackle this rather unusual time of year.

Before the end of the semester

• Be clear about the examination conditions for all your subjects: which modality, time à disposal, authorized material, etc.
• Check that your course notes are complete and correct, and that you have all the documents you need to complete the course with peace of mind.
• If you have any doubts about any part of the course or the exam, don't hesitate to ask questions of your teachers or assistants during the final weeks of the course.
• Once you've got your exam dates sorted, etablish a planning of reévisions according to the amount of material àre to be reéed and the type of work involved for each subject. Remain realistic and allow sufficient time for each examination.
• Get in touch with several classmates so that you can plan group work sessions.

The day before

• Globalize your matter.
• Rest, replenish your energy.
• Make sure you get a good night's sleep (avoid sleepless nights and rereading your lessons over and over again), relax to be at your best intellectually the next day.

Day

• Arrival a little early, isolate yourself to clear your head and concentrate. 
• Avoid last-minute discussions with your classmates. 
• Take 2-3 minutes for yourself before entering the exam room to clear your head of any extraneous thoughts and refocus. Try to find a place of inner calm where you say to yourself: « I am calm and relaxed·e, in full possession of my abilities and knowledge, and I am going to show them to the best of my ability in this exam ».

During the exam

• Be sure to manage your exam time carefully: time per question in MCQ situations, time for drafting and writing in the case of essays, etc.
• Take the time to read all the instructions carefully (beware of key words) and analyse the question(s) carefully. 
• If you have a problem, move on to the next question or focus on another point. Take time to come back to it.
• If stress rises, close your eyes and breathe deeply to calmly regain your concentration.