A couple of tips on having an exam game plan, but really just a chance to let you know that the Student Life team is sending positive vibes out to all of you taking exams over the next couple of weeks.
Howdy all!
I’ll keep this brief, because the intended audience for this already has enough to think about.
On behalf of the team at Student Life, just wishing all those who have exams over the next fortnight, good fortune, robust memories and excellent hand/eye coordination (for using pen or pencil).
Exams were a pretty central part of my degree, and I remember them fairly positively. Nerve-wracking for sure, but also a chance to showcase your hard-fought new knowledge.
The purpose of this post is more well wishes than study tips. So you can easily stop reading here . and set off into the world knowing we wish you well.
But, for those looking for a quick piece of advice, I thought I’d reproduce some content that appears in our “Evidence-based study, exam preparation and writing tips” document.
It is about having an Exam Game Plan and comes from Carolina Kuepper-Tetze over at Learning Scientists.
I’ve provided a summarised version. Please visit the original if you want all the detail.
The core idea is simple – having a bit of a game plan going into your exams helps you make decisions under pressure.
You don’t need to use Carolina’s game plan specifically, but it points to key things that can appear in such a game plan.
⭐ Exam Game Plan (Expanded Summary) A clear, practical structure to help you stay calm, think clearly, and perform well under exam conditions. ⭐
1. Before You Start Arrive early, get settled, and organise your space so nothing distracts you. Take a minute to breathe, slow your heart rate, and remind yourself of your plan. Skim the whole exam first to understand the layout, weighting, and any “easy wins” you can bank early.
2. Approaching Each Question Read carefully – twice. Identify the command words (explain, compare, evaluate) and outline a quick plan before writing. Keep answers focused on what’s actually being asked, not what you wish had been asked. Use evidence, examples, and clear structure to show your reasoning. For MCQs, eliminate obviously wrong options, look for qualifiers (always/never), and avoid overthinking unless the question demands nuance.
3. If You Get Stuck Pause. Drop your shoulders. Take one slow breath. Close your eyes briefly and cue your memory – topic, week, lecture slide, tutorial discussion. If anxiety spikes, use a simple pattern like box breathing (4‑4‑4‑4) to reset. Then re‑enter the question with a calmer brain.
4. Time Management Allocate time based on marks. Don’t let one difficult question steal time from easier, higher‑value ones. If you’re spinning your wheels, mark it, move on, and return later with fresher eyes.
5. Final Phase Leave a few minutes to re‑read your work. Check clarity, missing steps, and whether you actually answered the question. Submit, then step away. Afterward, remember that people decompress differently—some want to talk, others prefer silence. Both are valid.
If you need a reminder of the specific rules around exams at Flinders, please visit – https://students.flinders.edu.au/my-course/exams-assess-results/general-exam-information
For some reason I find the oddly specific recommendation around sultanas to be quite amusing.
