Know-How Exchange : Student Questions

ok simy,

Sit back and relax. Take a deep breath and calm down.

I was in your position a few weeks ago. Make sure you take a break and get some exercise; I made my self take a run every day before I started studying.

You are lucky all your exams are over in a 3 day period. Mine stretched out over 3 weeks!!!!!!!!!!

Try making a mind map (it never helps me but is supposed to be good).

Try putting your thoughts on to tape and replay them every day (possibly before you go to bed).

Put bits on MUST KNOW info on bits of colour paper and stick them all around your home, make sure you move them around every day or two (it works for me)

DONT study with music playing in the back ground, make sure you study in exam conditions.

When answering short answer questions:

Look for Key words

For example:

Define Give clear precise meanings
List Write an itemised set of accurate and concise statements or formulae.
State Write down main points, or describe a principle or concept
Explain Clarify the meaning of a statement or question.
Diagram Provide a plan, chart, or table of some kind.

Remember ,

# You should allocate your time very carefully for short answer questions

# You should also be prepared to apply what you know to new situations

Have a look at past questions on KHE, there were 3 out of the 6 in my marketing 101 paper posted on KHE. And we only had to choose 4 out of the 6. :)

Try to make a concept map of the subject:

https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=concept+map+mind+map&suggest=0

Have some coffee before you go into the exam, it is proven to help with exams, but don’t drink to much you don’t want to need to go to the toilet in the middle of the exam.

Try typing "exam stress" into Google and read some of the info on there.

And last but not least Remember you are not the only one, if you are having trouble then most people will be having the same problem.

On a side note:

Right before my marketing exam the sewer pipe broke out side the exam centre and the smell wafted in during the exam. They a JACK HAMMER was hammering right out side where I was.

I walked into that exam with a C- average and walked out with a B+. The exam is never as bad as you think.

Feel free to email me; I may be able to help get you started on the questions you are having trouble with.

Hope this helps

Carl Crawford

Simy...

Judging by the dates you quote, the exams sound like they are CIM Professional exams?

If so, here's some info from one CIM Examiner (that's me!)
We are looking for what candidates know about the subject, NOT what they don't know! In other words, if you can apply RELEVANT learning to the question, you will get marks.

More specific advice would depend on the level of qualification you are sitting - come back with that information, and I may be able to help further.

In the meantime, Carl has given you some very sound general tips.

Good luck,
Bob

Sounds like great study advice above... but in addition to that, if I were you, I would be sure I was getting some exercise. Do you enjoy swimming, or running, or walking? If you have not been getting exercise, I'll bet that if you just did some stretching, some jumping jacks, etc. you would find that your ability to handle stress will improve.

You might also be sure you are drinking enough water and taking enough vitamins - sometimes when I'm feeling really under the weather, I'm just dehydrated.

Simy...

Sorry not to have responded again earlier, but I've been out of the office for a few days.

If you're still in panic mode, e-mail me direct (address is on my profile page - just click on my name to get to it) with such info as:

1. which subjects you are taking
2. how you have studied (at a local college; by distance learning; completely on your own?)
3. any particular topics that are baffling you
4. any other information that might help!

I'm around over the weekend, so could respond to you direct.

Bob