As KCSE candidates approach the final stretch of their high school education, tension is palpable. The countdown to the national exam brings about a myriad of emotions – anxiety, excitement, and, for some, panic.
The final days before the exam are crucial, often determining how well a student performs after years of hard work. Unfortunately, some candidates fall into avoidable traps during this time, jeopardizing their performance.
- Over-studying and cramming
One of the most common mistakes students make is assuming that last-minute cramming will magically turn them into high achievers. While it’s essential to revise, attempting to digest vast amounts of information a few days before the exam is counterproductive. Cramming leads to mental fatigue and confusion, reducing the chances of recalling information effectively during the exam.
Solution: Candidates should focus on structured revision, reviewing summaries, key points, and practising past papers. Break revision into manageable chunks with regular breaks, ensuring the brain retains information more effectively. Prioritize subjects or topics you feel less confident about, but don’t attempt to study everything at once.
- Neglecting rest and sleep
Many candidates sacrifice sleep in favour of extra hours of study. While it’s true that time is of essence, depriving yourself of sleep can be disastrous. Sleep is critical for memory consolidation and overall cognitive function. Without adequate rest, students may find themselves unable to concentrate, prone to careless mistakes, and struggling with memory recall during the exam.
Solution: Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for at least 7-8 hours every night. Ensure your final revision session ends early enough for you to unwind and rest before going to bed. Your brain performs best when it is well-rested.
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- Failing to practice with timed exams
Some candidates avoid practising under exam-like conditions, thinking that revising content alone is sufficient. This oversight can be costly, as students may find themselves struggling to manage time during the actual exam. Knowing the content is one thing; effectively applying it within a set time is another.
Solution: Take timed mock exams using past KCSE papers or other standardized tests. This helps students get accustomed to the format and time constraints of the real exam. It also builds confidence in answering questions efficiently within the allocated time.
- Over-reliance on ‘leakage’ or ‘shortcuts’
In their desperation, some students fall prey to the temptation of acquiring leaked exam papers or relying on so-called “sure-bet” areas. Not only is this practice unethical and illegal, but it also leaves students vulnerable to poor performance should the anticipated questions not appear in the actual exam. Furthermore, reliance on such shortcuts discourages comprehensive study and preparation.
Solution: Trust in your preparation. The KCSE is designed to assess broad competencies, so focussing on understanding and application rather than shortcuts will provide more reliable outcomes. Additionally, avoid any attempts to engage with or rely on exam malpractices, as the consequences can be severe, including disqualification.
- Ignoring physical and mental health
In the race to finish strong, candidates often neglect their health. Stress, coupled with a lack of exercise and poor nutrition, can wear down both the body and the mind. Some students resort to unhealthy stimulants like excessive caffeine to stay awake, further compromising their well-being.
Solution: Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Include fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in brain-boosting nutrients like Omega-3s. Engage in light physical activity like walking, which can improve focus and relieve stress. Lastly, practise mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to calm nerves and maintain mental clarity.
- Focussing too much on one subject
Another pitfall is spending too much time on one subject, often the one the student feels weakest in. While it’s important to improve on weaker areas, neglecting other subjects can backfire. Every subject in KCSE counts towards the final grade, and poor performance in any one area can drag down the overall score.
Solution: Develop a balanced study schedule that allocates sufficient time to all subjects. Tackle the difficult subjects first, but ensure you have enough time to revise those you’re more comfortable with as well. It’s all about maximizing your strengths while shoring up weaknesses.
- Panicking or losing focus
As the exam draws nearer, fear and anxiety can start to creep in, causing candidates to lose focus. This often results in rushing through revisions, forgetting key concepts, or even experiencing “blank-out” moments during the exam. Panicking can also lead to burnout, making it hard to retain information.
Solution: Stay calm. Remember that the KCSE is a culmination of everything you’ve learned over four years. At this point, trusting yourself is crucial. Break your study sessions into short, manageable periods, and avoid overwhelming yourself with unrealistic revision goals. Surround yourself with a positive support system and avoid negative discussions that can heighten anxiety.
By Ashford Gikunda
The writer teaches English and Literature in Gatundu North Sub-county.
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