Last‑Minute Exams: Quick Tips to Boost Your Score

Got an exam tomorrow and feel the panic kicking in? You’re not alone. Most students face that crunch time, and the good news is you can still pull off a solid performance with the right moves. Below are step‑by‑step actions you can start right now.

Prioritise What Matters Most

First, figure out which topics carry the most weight. Scan past papers, mark the sections that appear repeatedly, and make a short list. Focus your energy on those high‑impact areas instead of trying to cover everything. This laser‑focused approach saves time and gives you a better chance of scoring high marks.

Next, use the 2/3,5/7 study method (quickly review a concept for 2 minutes, take a 3‑minute break, then repeat with a new topic for 5 minutes, followed by a 7‑minute break). The short bursts keep your brain alert and prevent burnout.

Active Recall Over Passive Reading

Instead of rereading notes, close the book and ask yourself questions. Write down what you remember, then compare with the source. This active recall cements information faster than boring pass‑throughs. For subjects like maths or science, solve a couple of problems from each topic—doing is remembering.

Grab a set of flashcards (physical or an app) and shuffle them. Test yourself on definitions, formulas, or key dates. When you get one wrong, mark it and revisit it in the next 10‑minute session. The spaced‑repetition built into this routine helps you retain facts right up to exam time.

Don’t forget the power of teaching. Explain a tricky concept out loud as if you were the teacher. If you can make sense of it for someone else, you’ve truly got it.

Make Your Environment Work for You

Clear your desk of distractions—phone on silent, tabs closed, snack within reach. A tidy space reduces mental clutter and keeps you in the zone. If you find silence too loud, put on low‑volume instrumental music; many students report it helps focus without pulling attention away.

Set a timer for each study block. Knowing you have a defined end point keeps urgency high without feeling endless. When the timer dings, stand up, stretch, sip water, and move on to the next block.

Quick Stress‑Relief Tricks

When anxiety spikes, try the 4‑7‑8 breathing technique: inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale slowly for 8. Do this three times and notice the calm returning. A short walk around the house also resets your brain, especially if you’ve been hunched over notes for a while.

Remember, a fresh mind recalls better than a frantic one. If you feel the urge to cram all night, aim for a solid 6‑hour sleep instead. Studies show that sleep consolidates memory, turning those last‑minute study sessions into actual knowledge.

Resources You Can Use Right Now

St. Andrews Shifnal offers a handful of fast‑track resources for exam crunch time. Check out our “2/3,5/7 Study Method” article for a detailed breakdown, and the “Best Revision Technique for GCSE” guide for proven tricks that work under pressure.

For quick practice, use past papers available on the school portal. Focus on the sections you identified earlier, and time yourself to simulate real exam conditions. This not only reinforces knowledge but also builds confidence.

Finally, join the student study group chat on the school’s platform. Sharing one‑sentence summaries with peers can spark new insights and keep you motivated.

Bottom line: when the clock’s ticking, be strategic, stay active, and protect your brain with short breaks and proper rest. Follow these steps, and you’ll maximize the odds of walking into that exam room feeling prepared rather than panicked. Good luck—you’ve got this!