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Mary Lucey of Career Ahead has some advice for students ahead of the end of year exams for college students which are getting underway…
It is important that students realise that they are responsible for keeping themselves informed of all course requirements, for completing assessments and exams, and for submitting them on time.
To drive higher student retention numbers; some university courses have introduced 100% continuous assessment as the means to assess first year students, but they are very limited. Most college students will have to sit at least one end of year exam.
Each college will have their own set of policies and procedures around their exams so ensure students relate the points below to their own specific college.
Here are some tips prior to the exams – outside of the obvious of studying the subject matter!
• Know your college’s exam regulations.
Get a copy of the exam regulations and familiarise yourself with them – they are all online.
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• Have photographic ID
There will be specific requirements around student entry to the examination hall. Normally a student ID card is what is required; so, if you happen to have lost this during the year – a replacement will be required to gain entry. Some college’s allow other forms of photographic ID such as a driving licence, but others will not accept anything but a student ID card.
• Exam Timetable
Review this well in advance of the exams – check out dates, times, and locations. If you are not sure where locations are – go find them prior to the exam day.
Exam Approach.
Make sure you have worked out how you will approach the paper, such as knowing how many questions you need to answer and how long do you have for each question
Be on time and do not leave early
There are set times for last entry to the examination centre, normally 15 to 20 mins from the official starting time and again set leaving times – again normally 15 to 20 mins prior to the official completion time.
These are to reduce potential disturbances caused by students continuously going in and out of the examination hall. Allow time at the end of the exam to review your answers, as ideas can often pop up when re-reading over the material you have written.
Disruption
Students are allowed to ask a question about the exam paper etc but ensure this is dealt with quietly. If too disruptive, a student can be asked to leave the examination centre and may even face with disciplinary action depending on the behaviour.
It is amazing how built-up pressure and frustration in exam scenarios, can sometimes result in quite aggressive behaviour from a student. Such incidents can impact an entire examination centre.
• Exam requirements
It seems obvious but have a pen/pencil and anything you else you need for your exam. It is a good idea to bring a spare pen just in case!
Official examination paper will be provided normally. Do not bring in notes of any kind to the examination centre. If you need any special equipment that is allowed ensure you do not forget to bring it in to the examination centre.
Mobile Phones and wearables
There will be a protocol around mobile phones – normally they must be left in one location prior to commencement of the exam and can be retrieved once the exam is completed.
Ensure no smart watches are worn. Bring a watch in with you to keep an eye on time. Every examination centre should have a clock, but again just in case.
Water
Stay hydrated. Water is normally allowed so bring a bottle in with you. Do not drink litres however or your performance in the exam will be disrupted by trips in and out to the bathroom!
• Mary Lucey of www.careerahead.ie can be contacted via email on marylucey@careerahead.ie or call 0879338941
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