The mocks are fast approaching, and I’m sure most of you are feeling extremely overwhelmed. Christmas break is over. Schools have begun, and new content is coming your way, while you haven’t revised the old stuff.
To help you a little, here is my guide for being as prepared as possible for the mocks. These are tips and tricks that worked for me when I was studying for the mocks, hopefully you find them useful too!
Decide the chapters you will study
It’s not possible to study everything for the mocks. There will be a lot of chapters you haven’t done yet, or just don’t fully understand. That’s fine if you are strategic about the ones you study.
Make sure to revise the chapters that come up frequently. Look at past paper questions and pinpoint important chapters. Here are the best study resources to help you with that.
Make a list of all the chapters you need to study and then make a study plan for how you will finish all of them. Doing this will set clear goals and expectations.
The above is how I managed my workload. I made a list of all chapters, and tried finishing the list at least once.
Make a study plan
Once you know the chapters you need to study, making a plan for how you will finish them is really important. And it’s very easy.
I never liked making weekly plans, so I made daily plans. Each day, make a list of chapters you will study. Keep doing this every day. Slowly and gradually you will see the list of remaining chapters getting smaller and smaller.
If you decide to take this approach, it’s imperative you don’t fall into the realm of procrastination. Remeber, time is of essence here.
Check out our article on how to make a study plan to help you make one as effectively as possible.
Practise as many exam questions as you can
Of course, you need to focus on the theory and concepts. But you also need to lay particular emphasis on past paper questions. Your mocks will look very similar to the past questions.
Almost all of my mocks were past paper exam questions. That’s why familiarising yourself with them is crucial.
This is a brilliant website to help you find all the past papers – Exam Finder – Thank me later!
If you are finding it difficult to find time for doing exam questions – because trust me it’s tought, there are only so many hourse in the day – read our article on how to be better at time management.
Practise on timing
Remember, the mocks are a practise run. The biggest benefit of doing the mocks is that you are able to practise your timing, which is a crucial aspect of ALL of Leaving Cert exams.
When doing practise questions at home, time yourself. Make a strategy when answering different questions. Having this routine during the actual exam will help calm the nerves.
Less Stress more Success
The ‘Less Stress more Success’ books are brilliant for revision. These books consolidate everything you need to know about the subject in just a few pages.
These are particularly useful closer to exam times. I used these books for all the subjects.
For example, the Less stress more success book covers the entire course, with worked examples in an extremely simple manner. You will see difference in your grades after using these books.
Buy the books here:
Take it easy!
Remember this: The mocks are not the real thing. They are extremely important, no doubt, but it is for your practise. So, if you aren’t able to complete all chapters, or if there are questions you can’t do, don’t stress over it.
Be as best prepared as you can for the mocks. But the things you can’t do, take note of them, and make sure you have them fully understood by the Leaving Cert.
If you’re feeling too stressed or too overwhelmed, relax. Everyone is in the same boat as you. Check out this article, it hopefully will help!
Don’t burn yourself out over the mocks. Maintain a healthy schedule. Give it your best. And then improve for the real thing!
All the best!