First things first:
- Test your digital exam platform in advance to avoid any technical issues.
- Prepare any materials that are allowed during the exam.
- Find a suitable location where you can take your exam without interruptions.
Exam season is the most stressful time of the semester for students. For first-year students, in particular, navigating registration procedures, understanding different exam formats, and preparing effectively can be overwhelming. With our tips for preparing for online exams—now a staple at universities and colleges since COVID—you’ll be sure to handle exam season with greater ease!
Minimizing Distractions
One major advantage of online exams is the ability to take them from the comfort of your own desk at home. However, your living space is also full of potential distractions: roommates or family members, the loud noise of a running washing machine, and more. To avoid such disruptions during your exam, explain the situation to those you live with you and kindly ask them not to disturb you during the exam period. As an extra precaution, you can hang a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door. Tasks like noisy household chores can be postponed until after the exam, ensuring a quiet and focused environment.
Take a Practice Exam
Many online exams offer a practice exam beforehand. This is an excellent way to prepare, as it allows you to familiarize yourself with the exam format and system. Even if you’ve already completed a few online exams, it’s still worthwhile to participate in the practice exam since the software and specific procedures can vary. After completing the practice run, you’ll have a clearer understanding of what to expect and can approach the actual exam with greater confidence.
Address Potential Issues
Fixed exam dates often come with potential challenges that might prevent you from attending. During exam season, the biggest concerns are often missing an exam due to illness or being late for some reason. Online exams can introduce additional complications: What should you do if your computer crashes or your internet connection fails during the exam? What happens if you don’t receive the email with the exam materials? These and similar concerns should be addressed with your instructors well before the exam. That way, you’ll know exactly what to do and won’t panic if something unexpected happens. While it’s unlikely that something will go wrong on exam day—especially if everything has worked smoothly until then—discussing these scenarios in advance will give you an extra layer of reassurance.. So verfällst du im Fall der Fälle nicht so schnell in Panik und weißt, was zu tun ist. Es ist zwar unwahrscheinlich, dass ausgerechnet am Prüfungstag etwas nicht funktioniert, vor allem wenn es bis dahin immer geklappt hat, aber derartige Fragen vorab zu klären verschafft dir ein gewisses Maß an Sicherheit.
Securing an Appropriate Workspace
During the COVID crisis, nearly all exams were conducted online. Now, most classes have returned to pre-pandemic practices, including in-person exams. This shift has introduced a unique challenge: sometimes an online exam is scheduled immediately before or after an in-person exam, leaving no time to travel between home and campus. In such cases, it’s important to find a suitable spot on campus to take your online exam. Perhaps a lecture hall has been designated for this purpose, or there may be seating available in the hallways. To ensure you have a quiet and reliable workspace on exam day, consider reserving a desk in one of the university libraries. This way, you can focus on your exam without worrying about interruptions.
Have Your Materials Ready
One of the best things about online exams? Depending on the specific rules set by your instructors or the exam office, you might be allowed to use personal notes, instructor-provided materials, or even textbooks to complete the exam tasks. If this applies to your exam, make sure to have all the necessary materials organized and within easy reach beforehand.This way, you can quickly look up information if needed. At the same time, this allows you to focus your study efforts on topics where external resources aren’t permitted, making your preparation more efficient.
Here you can find more tips and tricks for the exam phase:
Tips for a stress-free exam phase
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