Once you've got stuck into your revision, you will probably start to look at ways in which you can practise before the exam. But do you know how to get the most out of your practice?
I remember once hearing an interview with a top golf coach. He was explaining how we was often approached by golfers who just couldn't work out why they weren't improving with their game. He would ask them what their practice consisted of and they would tell him that they play a round of golf every weekend but that their scores just weren't getting any better. I remember the golf coach recalling how he would then have to explain that a casual game of golf once a week just wasn't sufficient, the golfers needed a whole new approach to what they considered to be practice.
In my experience, the same can be applied to the case study exam. I am often approached by students who tell me, "I answered some practice questions before the exam but I still failed." As I tell these students, it isn't just enough to practise, it's about how you use this practice effectively.
With this in mind, here are three tips to ensure you get the most out of your practice:
Repetition - It isn't enough to complete one set of practice questions or one mock before an exam. Using a variety of practice materials a number of times, is what can make the difference between a pass and a fail.
Take it seriously - If you come to sit a mock exam towards the end of your revision, it's so important that you practise taking it under 'exam like' conditions. This will help you to prepare for what the real exam will feel like.
Learn the lessons - There's little use in practising if you aren't learning from it. This means analysing what you did right, and looking at where you can improve for the future.
I know it's hard to fit revision into a busy life, but I believe that the students who make their practice as effective as possible, will be in with a much better chance of passing their exams.
