A levels is approaching,prelims fall on this week.
Life is bitter,re-memorising concepts of humanities to
sciences.Practising Vectors and Complex Numbers.
Mathematics was a tough cookie to crack,I struggled through
Sigma notation,then overcame it.Then,it was applications of
integration.Permutations and combinations.All of which I have
resolved,except PnC,which my teacher advised me to devote more time
on other aspects to score.Now,it is Vectors and Complex
numbers.
Physics was a roller coaster.I scored As for my first few
tests,followed by Bs and eventually Es in the promotional
exams.Then,it climbed up to C and now B.My teacher wasted 30minutes
of each lesson(3 lessons per week) talking about personal
motivation.Prior to the end of the syllabus(Term 3),I stopped
paying attention in class and did my own revision,with little
supervision from my teachers.This problem was also resolved when I
employed the aid of a tutor
Chemistry was the pet subject of mine.Despite scoring B for my
first test(below average),I consistently scored this grade until my
2nd common test.Life wasn't easy,despite chem being my strongest
subject.I will pay specific attention and highlight the details in
my notes and tutorials.I will practise beyond what is given at
times.
History is my adversary and pal.Having not came from a history
background,it was a struggle at times,to keep up to the class.I
fell below average in my promotional exams.(30th percentile) I was
wondering to myself,what if I scored C? This thought invigorated in
me the spirit to excel in this subject.I started writing essays
each week,submitting to teachers.My history result shot up three
grades,but I wasn't satisfied and I keep on perservering in the
humanities.
Gp is the subject of unfulfilled expectations.At times,I do
well.The next time,I hope to do well, I fare poorly.However,I am
slowly getting the hang of it as I focus beyond merely reading
newspapers,books to understanding the writing skills and the
applications behind this subject.It is undoubtedly the most
daunting subject for those in the Sciences,but you need to take one
step back and analyse your mistakes.In that case,progress will
follow suit.
Admist the hardcore period and the consistent reminders
from family,friends to take a break,I turned to sports such as
badminton and squash.Who says that you can't swing your racket
during exam periods?It's a fun-filled experience and takes me away
from the rigours of academia.
My advice for those taking A levels,O levels,or the
preceding year:
1.Motivate yourself as much as possible through talks and career
workshops.Friends of mine who lack motivation,are attempting to
pick up their pace right now,only to find themselves too late.
2.Don't procrastinate.If procrastination boosts your creativity
and gives you pressure,it is only SHORT-TERM. Especially for the A levels,it
does not work effectively.
3.Find out your learning style.>>>School/home?
quiet/noisy? relaxed/stress-based?Group/individual?
Morning/Afternoon/night? This can go a long way in your
revision
4.Seek help from friends,teachers,families if you have
social,emotional problems,as well as academic assistance from your
teachers or friends
5.Knowing is not enough,you must do.Take time to practise your
Tys and prelim papers.(tys is not enough unfortunately.)
6.Have fun!The students who are the most stressed in exams,tend
to fare worse than those with the most confidence.How to feel less
stressed? Simple.Turn to your nearby gym to work out or take a
short nap to feel energised.
7.Last but not least,set a realistic action plan and targets.
You can't accomplish the whole of your chemistry text book in
one day.Study smart,break down large tasks into simple ones. For
me,H2 chemistry should be broken down to 3 days of
review,Physical,Organic,Inorganic+planning. No more and no
less.
Hopefully,this helps you in your exams ,all the best!
