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

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The entrance exam is nearly here, and you’ve already done the hard work. You’ve prepped, you’ve studied, and now the final step is all about executing under pressure. It’s time to transform all that knowledge into success, so let’s talk about how to handle the exam day like a pro. No panic, no stress—just smart strategies that’ll help you ace it. Ready? Let's dive in!



1. Master the Art of Prioritizing Questions

The exam paper is in front of you, and you’re already feeling that wave of panic. Instead of diving straight into the first question, take a moment to strategically survey the entire paper. Here’s how you can gain an advantage:

  • Tackle easy questions first: Boost your confidence by starting with the ones you know best. This will get your brain into exam mode.

  • Leave the tough ones for later: Don’t waste time on questions that leave you stumped. Mark them and come back once you’ve finished the easier ones.

Pro Tip: Time management is your best friend! Set a timer for each section of the exam, so you don’t spend too much time on any one question.


2. Use the Power of Process of Elimination

Not sure about the answer to a multiple-choice question? No worries! The process of elimination is one of the best tricks in your test-taking toolkit. Here’s how to do it:

  • Eliminate the obvious wrong answers: Narrowing down the choices increases your chances of guessing correctly.

  • Trust your gut: Often, your first instinct is the right one, so go with it if you’re stuck.

Pro Tip: Stay calm and avoid second-guessing yourself. Overthinking only wastes time.



3. Double-Check Your Answers

You’re almost done—don’t let your hard work go to waste! After answering all the questions, take a few extra minutes to double-check your work. Here’s why:

  • Spot simple mistakes: When you’re in a rush, it’s easy to overlook small errors like missing a word or making a calculation mistake.

  • Check for accuracy: If you’re answering essay questions, read your responses carefully for clarity, grammar, and relevance.

Pro Tip: If you’ve got extra time, review your most challenging questions. You might find new insights with a refreshed perspective.



4. Stay Calm During Unexpected Questions

No matter how much you prepare, there will always be that one question that throws you off. Don’t panic! Here's how to stay cool:

  • Breathe and refocus: Take a deep breath to calm your nerves. Stress won’t help you recall information.

  • Break down the question: If it’s a tough question, deconstruct it. What keywords can you identify? What do you know about the topic?

Pro Tip: If you're still stuck, move on to the next question. Don’t let one tricky question ruin your whole exam experience.


5. Avoid Common Exam Day Mistakes

The morning of the exam is crucial—don’t make these common mistakes that can sabotage your performance:

  • Read the instructions carefully: Many students rush through the instructions and miss crucial details. Take a moment to understand exactly what’s being asked.

  • Answer all questions: Even if you’re not sure about the answer, write something down. You might still earn partial credit for effort.

Pro Tip: If you run out of time, prioritize the high-value questions. They could be the ones that make the biggest impact on your score.



6. Use Quick Relaxation Techniques to Beat Exam Anxiety

Test anxiety is a real thing, but with the right relaxation techniques, you can keep it under control:

  • Practice deep breathing: Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four, then exhale slowly for four counts. Repeat until you feel calm.

  • Grounding techniques: Focus on physical sensations, like feeling your feet on the ground or lightly tapping your fingers. This helps distract from anxiety.

Pro Tip: If you’re allowed to take breaks during the exam, use them to reset your mind with a quick stretch or walk.


7. Celebrate Your Effort—No Matter What

Once you’ve submitted your exam, the hard work is over. Whether you think you nailed it or you feel like you missed some questions, remember that you’ve done your best. Entrance exams are just one step in your academic journey. Here’s why you should celebrate:

  • Reflect on your effort: You prepared, studied, and gave your best. That’s worth recognizing.

  • Don’t sweat the results: If you didn’t get everything right, it’s okay. Every exam is a learning experience that helps you grow.

Pro Tip: Whether you passed or didn’t quite make the cut, use this as a learning experience for the next round of exams.



Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

When it comes down to it, surviving entrance exams isn’t about luck—it’s about smart preparation, maintaining a calm mindset, and executing your plan. You’ve got the strategies, and now it’s all about executing under pressure. Remember, you’re not just taking an exam; you’re proving to yourself that you can tackle any challenge, no matter how tough.

Need more tips to breeze through school and ace your exams? Follow The Lazy Student’s Guide for more hacks, study tricks, and productivity tips that will help you keep your cool in any exam scenario.

Good luck—you’re going to crush it!

If you missed it here is The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Entrance Exams (Without Losing Your Mind) - Part 1

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