The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Entrance Exams (Without Losing Your Mind) - Part 1

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Entrance exams are like that final boss fight in a video game—nerve-wracking, intense, and totally unpredictable. But the good news is: you don’t have to face them unprepared. If you're a Filipino student feeling the pressure of these exams, don't worry, you're not alone. Surviving entrance exams doesn’t require you to be a genius; it just needs a little bit of strategy, the right mindset, and—most importantly—time management.

Whether you’re applying to college, a university, or a scholarship program, entrance exams are a major hurdle that everyone has to cross. And while it's tempting to throw yourself into panic mode and start cramming the night before (we’ve all been there), there are much smarter, less stressful ways to prep.

Here’s your ultimate entrance exam preparation guide—minus the stress and hair-pulling.



1. Understand the Exam Format

The first step to surviving an entrance exam is knowing exactly what you're up against. Some exams focus on general knowledge, while others test specific subjects like Math, Science, English, or Filipino. Here’s what you can do:

  • Check the official exam guide: Most universities release the official exam format ahead of time. Check it thoroughly to know which sections will be covered.

  • Ask recent test-takers: If you have friends or older relatives who recently took the same exam, ask them about their experience. It’ll help you gain insight into the exam’s structure.

Pro Tip: Once you know the format, create a study plan based on how much time you have left before the exam. Prioritize the sections you’re weakest in.


2. Don’t Skip The Review Materials (Even If They Look Boring)

You’ve probably seen the review books lying around, collecting dust, or even thought, “I’ll just Google the answers.” But trust me—those review materials exist for a reason. They cover everything from the most common questions to the specific type of questions that usually come up. If you're a last-minute reviewer, go for the summaries or practice questions. But if you’ve got time, go through the whole book!

  • Familiarize yourself with test-taking strategies: Some review books provide tips for each type of question (like eliminating wrong answers or tackling time management during the exam). It’s not just about memorizing facts, it’s about using the time and materials wisely.


3. Create A Personalized Study Plan

Cramming? That’s for the brave—or the desperate. If you really want to keep your sanity intact, it’s better to plan ahead. A personalized study plan that focuses on weak spots and includes consistent breaks is key.

  • Divide your study sessions into chunks: Use time management methods like the Pomodoro Technique (study for 25 minutes, take a 5-minute break). This helps prevent burnout and keeps you focused.

  • Include breaks: You don’t have to study non-stop! Take regular breaks to refresh your mind. After all, brain power comes from rest, not just reading pages over and over.

Pro Tip: Use study apps like Trello or Google Calendar to track your study sessions and deadlines. Organize your prep like a pro.



4. Focus On Your Mental Health

It’s easy to let the stress get to you, but entrance exams are just that—exams. They’re not life-or-death situations (even though it feels like they are). It’s crucial to manage your stress for the sake of your performance.

  • Stay active: Regular physical activity (even just walking) can reduce stress and help you stay focused.

  • Get enough sleep: Cramming until 3 AM won’t help you perform better the next day. In fact, it might make you forget more than you remember. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep, especially the night before the exam.

Pro Tip: Practice mindfulness or deep-breathing exercises before your exam to calm your nerves. Apps like Headspace or Calm are great for beginners.


5. Practice with Past Papers

One of the best ways to prepare for entrance exams is by going over past test papers. It’s not about memorizing answers, but about getting used to the format, time constraints, and question difficulty. You’ll have a better idea of what to expect on the day of the exam.

  • Look for past exam papers: If your school or review center offers old exam papers, grab them and practice.

  • Time yourself: Try to finish each practice test within the allotted time limit to simulate the actual exam conditions.

Pro Tip: Focus on the most common topics that show up repeatedly in past exams, so you're not wasting time on areas that rarely come up.



6. Stay Organized the Day Before

The night before your exam, stress will try to creep in, but don’t let it take over. Be organized and ready to face the challenge without worrying about forgotten items.

  • Prepare your materials: Double-check that you have everything you need: pens, pencils, ID, snacks (nothing too messy or loud!), and your ticket to the exam center.

  • Get your documents ready: Some entrance exams require additional documents, such as a birth certificate or medical clearance. Make sure you’ve got them all.

Pro Tip: Prepare your outfit the night before, so you don’t waste time trying to figure out what to wear when you’re already stressed.



7. Keep Calm and Read Instructions Carefully

On the day of the exam, it’s easy to rush in and dive into the questions, but always take a moment to carefully read the instructions first. Some questions may have specific instructions that can save you time and effort.

  • Look for special instructions: Some exams may have tricky instructions, like answering only a specific number of questions or following a unique format.

  • Don’t skip questions: If you're unsure about a question, make an educated guess and move on. You can always come back to it later.

Pro Tip: Bring a watch (or check the exam center’s clock) to monitor the time and pace yourself.


8. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well

Your brain needs fuel! Caffeine might be your best friend when studying, but on the day of the exam, don’t skip breakfast or eat too much junk food.

  • Eat a balanced breakfast: Include foods that keep your energy levels stable, like oatmeal, eggs, or fruits. Avoid heavy meals that could make you feel sluggish.

  • Stay hydrated: Bring a bottle of water with you (check if the exam center allows it) to keep your brain sharp.



Final Thoughts: The Best Prep Is the One That Fits You

Everyone has their own style of studying, and what works for one person might not work for another. The key is to figure out what method helps you retain the most information without stressing you out. Whether it's through review books, practice tests, or a solid sleep schedule, the goal is to study smart, not hard.

So, when the day comes, take a deep breath, trust your prep, and go for it. You've got this, entrance exams included!

Here is The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Entrance Exams (Without Losing Your Mind) - Part 2

Need more tips and tricks for surviving school?
Follow The Lazy Student’s Guide for more strategies to make exams and schoolwork a little less painful.

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