Exams can feel overwhelming, and it’s normal to feel anxious. But you don’t have to let stress control you. With the right steps, you can face your exams feeling calm, confident, and prepared. Here’s how to take back control and beat exam anxiety:
- Prepare for the exam
- Be positive
- Arrive on time
- Write your exam calmly
Prepare For The Exam
You can beat exam anxiety by preparing for your exams before it starts. You should make studying a routine as a student in Matric. As soon as you start Matric, you should start studying. You will be able to gain knowledge in time.
When the timetable for your final exam is issued, you should start preparing for the exam. This will help you to not feel overwhelmed when the exam is near because you will be ready to write. You can prepare for your exam by doing the following:
- Study every day
- Make use of grade 12 past exam papers when you study
- Ask questions in class when you need more understanding
- Study with other students who want to pass
Be Positive
Exams can affect your self-esteem negatively. Do not allow this to happen. Tell yourself positive things that will help you create a positive mindset. This way, you will not have exam anxiety. You can tell yourself positive things such as:
- I am going to pass the final examinations
- I am able to study and understand
- No questions will be too difficult for me to answer
- I am smart
- I can do anything I put my mind to
- I will excel in these exams
- I have prepared for this moment and I shall do well in it
Words of affirmation will calm you down. They will remind you that you are prepared for the exams and that there is nothing to worry about.
Arrive on Time
The night before the exam, make sure that you rest. You must be relaxed in order to not miss your exam. Sleep enough hours and wake up in time to prepare for your exam. Set an alarm so that you get ready and arrive at the exam centre on time. Arrive at least 45 to 60 minutes before the exam starts.
A well-rested mind and body will help you write your exam well. This will beat your exam anxiety. You will be able to remember all that you have studied because your mind is clear and active.
Write Your Exam Calmly
Make sure that you answer all the questions asked. Read each question carefully and answer it in understanding. Do not be anxious. You have studied for this, calm your mind, and you will easily remember what you have learnt.
Writing your exam is an essential step in beating your anxiety. As a result, your mind and body begin to relax. Once you have written your first exam paper, you will feel more relaxed about writing other exam papers.
How Do I Stop Stressing Over Exams?
You can stop stressing over exams by preparing for them. Exam stress can arise if you have not fully prepared for your exams. If you have covered all your work, you will be confident and ready to write. Make sure you study everything you have learnt, which will stop the exam stress.
If the stress continues even when you have studied, you can try the following to get your mind off negativity:
- Study with other students
- Exercise
- Drink more water
- Speak positively to yourself
- Tell someone that you are stressed
Why Am I So Anxious For Exams?
You are anxious about the exams because they determine if you will pass the class you are in. Failing the exam could mean that you will not be able to go to university. This feeling is normal. However, you should not spend your time stressing.
Create a study plan that will help you gain knowledge that will help you answer well in the exams. This will make you feel anxious. You will be more focused on obtaining information that will help you pass.
What Are Signs Of Test Anxiety?
You can identify that you have anxiety over a test based on the following:
- Eating less or more
- Not falling asleep
- Mood swings
- Headaches
- A racing heartbeat
Having anxiety over a test is normal. However, this should not be something you allow. You can easily beat test anxiety if you simply prepare more for your test. Someone who has studied and obtained knowledge cannot stress over a test. They are more positive and looking forward to taking the test. Make sure that you prepare for the test and beat your anxiety.
Is It Ok To Fail In Exam?
Yes, it is okay to fail an exam. You are not the only person who has ever failed an exam. If this happens, you should not punish yourself for it, especially if you believe that you have given it your best shot. However, if you can avoid failing an exam, do it.
Why Do I Study So Hard And Still Fail?
| Study Tips | How to Implement These Tips |
|---|---|
| Study to understand | Don’t just try to remember the work. Try to explain it in your own words and use real examples to help you learn. |
| Take breaks when you study for about 20 minutes | Study for 20 minutes, then take a short 5-minute break. This gives your brain time to rest and stay fresh. |
| Drink water as you study to have an active mind | Keep water next to you and take small sips while you study. Water helps your brain stay awake and ready to learn. |
| Make notes in class | Write down important things the teacher says. You can use these notes later to help you study. |
| Use your notes, study material and Matric pass papers to study | Go over your notes and study guides often. Use old exam papers to practise how to answer questions. |
| Have discussions with other students to learn more information | Talk about your work with friends. You can help each other and learn new things together. |
| Ask other students and teachers to help you if you do not understand a topic | If you don’t understand something, ask for help. Teachers and friends can make it easier for you to learn. |
| Do not skip difficult questions but do research on them | Don’t leave out hard questions. Look them up or ask someone so you can learn how to answer them. |
| Have an extra class to attend to learn more information | Join extra lessons if you can. You can ask more questions and understand the work better. |
| Prepare for your Matric exam given | Use your exam timetable to plan your study time. Start early so you don’t rush at the end. |
| Complete every assessment | Do all your classwork, assignments, and tests. They help you practise and improve your marks. |
| Aim for high marks only | Don’t just try to pass—do your best. High marks can help you do more things after school. |
What Can I Do If I Failed Matric?
There are many things you can do if you have failed Matric. Here are the options you have:
Upgrade Matric Course
You can study the Matric Upgrade Course offered at Matric College. You qualify to study whether you passed or failed Matric. You will be given study material, Grade 12 past exam papers and tutors to assist you as you improve your marks. When you complete the course, you will be awarded a Matric Certificate.
Supplementary Exam
You can apply for the supplementary exam to rewrite the final examinations. This is a chance for you to prepare for your exams better than the last time. Use your experience through the first exam to create a study plan for this one. You will have a better chance to pass because of your experience.
Remark, Recheck Or View Paper
Apply for the remark, recheck or view paper options through the Department of Basic Education. Your paper will be marked for the second time or checked to see that all questions have been marked fairly and correctly.
It costs R104 to do the remark and R25 to do the recheck. Please note that fees are subject to change.
If you want to apply for the view paper method, you must first do a remark or recheck. Then you will be given a chance to look at your paper and ensure that all questions have been marked correctly and justly.
Please note that it costs R200 to view one paper and that the fee is subject to change.
Study Without Matric
You can study at Matric College even if you failed Matric. You can either study for your Matric or study without it. Here are the courses you can enrol for:
Adult Matric Course
If you are 21 years or older, you can study the Adult Matric Course. You will be equipped with knowledge that will help you in furthering your studies. When you complete this course, you will be awarded a Matric Certificate.
ICB Courses
You can study our ICB Courses without a Matric Certificate. You are only required to have a Grade 10 or Grade 10 Equivalent Qualification to study. When you study the ICB Courses, you are equipped with skills and knowledge that can be used to find employment or open a business.
Short Courses
You can study our Short Courses without any particular qualification. You will be equipped with skills that are good for employment or managing your own business. When you complete the course, the college awards you with a Certificate Qualification.
Matric College’s best advice for students that are faced with anxiety during the exams is to prepare for the exam by using our resources. These resources will guide you on the right path. If you do fail the exam because of your anxiety, then you should complete our Matric Upgrade Course. You can improve your Matric marks and pass Matric successfully.
People Also Ask
Exam stress is normal, but you can manage it. Start by studying early and doing a little every day. Try to stay calm, think happy thoughts, and take short breaks so your brain can rest.
The 3-3-3 rule helps when you feel anxious. Look around and name 3 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, and move 3 parts of your body. This helps you stop worrying and feel better.
Your mind can go blank when you panic or feel very tired. To stop this, get enough sleep and practise answering questions before the exam. If it happens, breathe in slowly, read the question again, and remind yourself you’ve studied hard.
To help your brain work well in exams, take care of your body and get lots of rest. Study in a quiet place and try to remember things in fun ways. This helps you stay sharp and ready.
Here are 4 things you can do to activate your brain for exams:
- Eat a healthy breakfast, like eggs and fruit
- Drink clean water during the day
- Stretch or walk before you study
- Use flashcards or draw mind maps to remember things
When you’re feeling worried, it can be hard to sleep. You can feel more relaxed by listening to calm music or reading a book. Stay away from cold drinks, caffeine, or cellphones before bed.
Author: Mulisa Nethononda
Editor: Sive Ncanywa
Date : July 04 , 2022