Tom’s top tips for avoiding assessment stress and anxiety

Premier Training student Tom Sanger has completed 16 AAT assessments in just 16 months. So who better to provide advice on how to prepare for exams?

Tom recently joined Premier Training and Dr David Crepaz-Keay from the Mental Health Foundation for a special session as part of the AccelerAATe online student conference.

And here are his top tips from that session for ‘Taking the stress out of assessments’:

 

1. Break down the syllabus and focus on one thing at a time

It can be daunting when you look at everything you need to learn in its totality. Sometimes information doesn’t stick first time – and that’s ok. Find a method that helps you remember information and understand processes – e.g. flash cards or post-it notes or use different resources that might explain information slightly differently and will help it to stick. Be patient – it will happen!

2. Invest time in planning your studies

Plan in enough time from when you’ve completed the syllabus up until when you sit the exam. Use this time to go over everything again, complete practice questions and mock exams. Save the final couple of days to cover any areas you are unsure of.

3. Become comfortable with the exam layout

Use the mock exams on the AAT website and any others from your training provider to learn the format of the exam. If you have a tutor, ask if they have any more – they normally do. When you know what to expect, it takes away the worry of uncertainty. Leave the same amount of time it takes to sit a mock exam/question bank, then review your answers and take the learnings. Don’t underestimate the value of completing a mock exam twice – it will consolidate your learning and build confidence.

4. Focus on what you have already learnt

It’s easy to dwell on questions you get wrong, but don’t lose sight of how much you’ve already learnt. When you review completed exams/practice questions, review what you got right not just what was wrong. This will help to reinforce your knowledge and build confidence.

5. Set a pre-exam study cut off

You’ll learn very little extra in the evening before an exam, your time is better spent decompressing, emptying your mind out. Set a time limit the day before your exam for studying then do something you enjoy, go for a run, spend quality time family or watch a film.

6. If you’re not ready, delay your exam

Exam providers are usually very accommodating. But remember, you can’t know everything (nobody does!). You need 70%, not 100%.

7. Write down your worries and share them

It’s true that a problem shared really is a problem halved. Talk to your friends, partner, family or colleagues about what’s on your list. Chances are they will be able to help!

 

Quick tips for on the day…

• Get a good night sleep, be rested! Whatever works for you (put that phone down, have a bath etc).
• Keep your morning free and stay away from anything new! Today is not the day to try that new extra strong coffee or push yourself with a double hard workout.
• Arrive at your exam relaxed. Get there early, leave more time than you normal would – there’s nothing worse than rushing to get to an exam.
• Know your environment, know where you are going and where to park. If you’ve never been before, visit it beforehand – one less worry.
• Be prepared (ear plugs, don’t overload on fluids, have a spare everything).