Top Tips for setting yourself up for success on exam day

Preparing for GCSE or A Level exams this Summer? Take a look at our top tips for putting your best foot forward on exam day:

1. Get enough sleep

Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before your exam. Sleep is vital for memory, so it’s much better to get a proper sleep and wake up refreshed than to spend all night cramming!

2. Leave plenty of time

The last thing you want is to wake up feeling stressed about getting to your exam on time on exam day. Make sure you set your alarm with plenty of time, so you can get ready calmly, go over any last-minute notes and get a good breakfast before setting off with plenty of time.

3. Eat well and make time for breakfast

You can give your body and brain a real boost by eating well as you revise and on the morning of your exam. Try eating ‘brain food’ such as fatty fish, broccoli, oranges, eggs and leafy greens to support you as you revise. For breakfast on exam day, choose foods such as porridge or fruit which will slowly release energy throughout your exam.

Making sure you’re drinking enough water as you prepare, and take a bottle with you on the day. This can make a big difference to how you feel and perform.

4. Don’t cram until the last minute

Prioritise which few last-minute notes, equations or vocabulary you’re going to look at on the morning before the exam – don’t overwhelm yourself.

Once you get to the exam hall, stop cramming. It’s much better to give yourself some breathing space before you tackle the paper.

5. Think about your posture

The way we sit can have a big impact on how we feel. If you’re feeling anxious, avoid hunching over, and try sitting up straight with your shoulders back.

Sitting in this way can reduce cortisol, a stress hormone, and make us feel calmer and more confident.