A-levels: How to get the highest grade possible in the run up to and on the day of your exams

What to do the night before and on the actual day, whether you’ve studied hard or not

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If you’re a student gearing-up to sit your A-levels, this advice for the night before and exam day will help. All is never lost and, believe it or not, but an exam room is actually a good place to do your best, even if you feel you’ve not gotten your nose into as many books as you would have liked.

So, here are some sure-fire ways of getting the highest grade possible, however much you have worked:

Keep drinking water and eating. Stay lively, positive and use strategies. The brain accounts for 20 per cent of the energy our bodies use, so keeping it nourished transforms your performance. Graze on fruit, nuts, and your favourite snacks, and always stay hydrated with a bottle of water or some tea in the run up to the big day. On exam day, take part in the ‘ten-minute treat’ by eating ten minutes before going into the exam. Nuts, a peanut butter or jam sandwich, chocolate bar - anything.

Plenty of sleep. A fresh brain recalls information much better than a tired one. The night before, try to get plenty of sleep, and avoid gaming or watch boxsets, as difficult as this may be. If you toss and turn, don’t worry - lying awake in the dark is restful. Most exams are usually no longer than two hours, so you will manage it.

Extra tips for the very tired: If you face doing an exam on little sleep, don’t fret. Take as many catnaps as possible on the way to the exam, on the bus, train, or in the car. Even a two-minute ‘micro-nap’ helps; five minutes or more, a ‘mini-nap’ increases alertness, stamina, motor-learning and performance. Catnap before entering the exam room - lean against a wall with your eyes closed for a few minutes, or even rest on a loo, and definitely make some time to eat a ‘ten-minute treat’.

If you plan to pull-off an all-nighter, desperately cramming a year of work into one night can work surprisingly well for some people, particularly with certain subjects. Every 40 minutes, have a short break and refuel with a drink and snack. Go to bed when you know nothing is going in - sleeping for only two or three hours is definitely worthwhile. Them in the morning, eat breakfast, sleep, and eat at every opportunity on your way to the exam room. Set your phone alarm so you don’t miss your stop if you’re on public transport. If this is your method, make sure you rest-up for two clear days after.

Stay positive and unstressed. Avoid arguments. Whatever anyone says or does, ignore it. Say you will deal with it after your exam. Then put that issue out of your head. Don’t potentially wreck your future with an upsetting argument.

If you have support from family or friends, ask for the help you want, whether it’s being left alone, having tea brought in, or wake up calls. Have a ‘night-before chat’ with someone if nerves are devouring you. Sharing will steady you.

Above all, adopt the attitude the exam will be interesting, or that, in two hours’ time, it will be over. All is never lost; papers can be re-marked or grading changed, improving your score.

Take a strategic approach for the exam itself, however much learning you have or have not done. Read the paper through first, scribbling points on each question as you go. Then, apply yourself entirely to each question consecutively without worrying about forgetting the points jotted down. While you’re answering one question, thoughts may occur about another answer. In this case, quickly record your thoughts next to the relevant question and re-apply yourself to the question in hand.

Identify and answer questions on taught topics. If you haven’t revised, spend ten minutes the night before, or morning of, the exam, looking at the headings of subjects your teacher covered. Doing this could change a ‘fail’ to a ‘pass’, because it’ll help you answer questions learned in class.

If you have a mind-blank, that’s fine. Take five minutes out, and tell yourself: “Okay, now I’ll sit here for five minutes and do nothing.” This alleviates pressure and your brain will relax and something will probably come to mind. Whatever it is, write it down. Before you know it, you will be on a roll, doing the paper.

Answer the question directly, introducing a clear line of argument. Maintain this argument throughout your answer. Link everything you say to the question. Keep referencing the question to stay on point. Even if you know less, you can stay argument-focused and pick up points for addressing the question.

Look at difficult questions as being an opportunity. Tricky questions are hard for everyone. Hold your nerve and focus. Don’t consider exiting the exam early, because something may pop into your head if you stay. This time in the exam room is yours, so use it.

If you’re overcome by tiredness during an exam, have a ‘snooze’ at your desk with your eyes shut for two minutes. You can even ask for a toilet break which might invigorate you.

Finally, do not worry if you are late for the exam. Congratulate yourself on getting there against the odds. Keep your head down and your mind on your paper. Ignore others leaving when their time is up.

Always remember that it’s normal to feel a cocktail of emotions before an exam. Most people feel better once they are doing the exam and get into the groove. After you’re exams are over, stay positive and look ahead to what your next move will be.