Getting Ready

Check The Details

Here are some basic points to check before the exam.

1. What Kind Of Exam Is It?

Check beforehand: how long the exam is; how many questions you have to answer; whether you're allowed to bring any material in with you.

2. Have You Got Everything You'll Need?

You'll need a pen that works (so be on the safe side and take three or four).
You might need other writing materials, like a pencil, or coloured pencils, or a ruler.
You might want to bring some sweets or chewing gum with you. Technically you're not allowed to eat or drink anything in the exam, but sweets or gum are usually OK.
You might want to bring a bottle of water or squash with you.
Bring a handkerchief - you don't want to be distracted by a runny nose or by sweat.
Bring a small bottle of aspirin or paracetamol with you - you don't want to be distracted by a headache.

3. When And Where Is The Exam?

Check this carefully on the exam timetable. Then check it again. Every year, there's somebody who turns up in the afternoon for an exam that happened in the morning, or turns up on the wrong day completely. Make sure this somebody isn't you.

Check your travel arrangements too. Leave plenty of time for getting to the University for the exam. You don't want to add to your stress by having to rush to get a bus, or hunt for a parking space.