Exam season can feel like a long road. We know it can sometimes feel difficult to keep your energy and motivation up, but don't worry – we've got you.
Our exam veterans have all experienced challenging times during their exams. In this video, they talk about what they did to make things feel easier and get back on track during exam season. You could also read our short recap article below.
Daachi: OK, I have some expert exam tips on how to stay motivated.
Amiga: Let's hear them then.
Dylan: Keeping your energy and focus up during the exam season can feel like a long, long road.
Amy: I feel you. So, here's the first tip. Make your goals short-term and measurable.
Daachi: Set yourself a specific task to complete. For example I will complete this revision booklet and then take a break.
Amiga: Or maybe you're gonna learn five quotes or ten facts. **Both these examples are specific, measurable, achievable and relevant.
Amy: Make sure all the tasks you give yourself are time bound. Just like thirty minutes or so.
Dylan: Honestly, you just break it down into smaller sizeable chunks. It'll be over before you know it.
Daachi: Different, smaller smart goals add together to make a big difference overall. So it might be today I want to nail the basics of genetics.By the end of the week I want to get nine out of ten on a quiz about cloning. Next week I'm gonna make a clone out of myself to sit all my exams.
Amy: OK, next tip.
Dylan: Think about your dream career and visualise what that will look like once you have achieved your grades.
Amy: Well, I guess when you have something to work towards like you see yourself in the future. And you're like I wanna be there some day.
I mean, for me, I'm looking at acting or criminal psychology, but to get there you've got to work hard and so by revising now and working hard I can be there in the future. And that is really, really exciting. I think that keeps you going, really.
Daachi: You can keep yourself motivated by really focusing on the why. Why am I doing this? Think of all the doors you're opening and how you're helping yourself go further. Visualise yourself in your dream job.
Dylan: I haven't decided what my dream career is yet. So my aim has always been to have choices and options. That's what kept me going, the opportunity to have options.
Daachi: Okay, next tip.
Amiga: Have role models, friends, teachers or famous celebrities who have achieved their results through hard work.
Daachi: People you admire can be from all walks of life and they don't have to be people you know personally.
Amiga: You can also be your own role model and inspire yourself. If I fail I mentally gather myself and look at all the things I have achieved and say well done to myself.
Amy: I know a lot of people say they have celebrity role models and they look up to other people. Well, for me I was always inspired by family and I was always surrounded by hard working people. For instance, my mum. She got her nursing degree and she worked really hard and she had me and other kids, and it's like she worked hard and she did it and being able to see the hard work and the effort that goes into it. It's really, really inspiring I think.
Daachi: OK, last tip. Allow yourself small victories.
Dylan: When you have lots of exams close together I think it's really important to set yourself little breaks and little treats at the end. I think for me the best treat and little break that I had was going home after an exam and going to sleep
Amy: Me too. There's nothing better than looking forward to getting in bed.
Dylan: But don't get distracted. Focus on the exam. Sleep after the exam.
Amy: Sleep after it.
Amiga: So, have goals that are smart. Visualise your dream career. You could have role models, find inspiration and always allow yourself small victories.
Amy: Do you think we should plan ourselves a reward after this?
Dylan: Definitely. Pizza, anyone? Pizza? Do you want pizza?
How to stay motivated during exam season
There might just be times during revision and exams where you lack the motivation and focus to continue studying. Read our tips below, they may help steer you back-on-track when you are feeling demotivated.
Set yourself goals Goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound. For example, when you are studying English, you could aim to learn three Shakespeare quotes by the end of your revision session and then take a break. We recommend making your goals short-term – short chunks of work will make things feel less daunting and more achievable for you. We've got a guide specifically about breaking your revision into manageable chunks. Why not give it a look?
Think about the future Visualising what your next steps might be after your exams, or seeing yourself in your dream career, will give you motivation to keep up the hard work. Remind yourself why you are doing your exams. Remember, exam season doesn't last forever and there will soon be light at the end of the tunnel. If you want to learn more about resilience whilst studying, we've got a guide.
Have role models Role models will help inspire you to achieve your dreams. Your role model might be someone famous, or they may be someone you know, like a parent, teacher or friend. Knowing that others have been through similar things to you in the past – and have come through the other side because of their hard work – can be really inspiring.
Allow yourself little wins It's important to give yourself little treats or breaks to do something you enjoy during exam season! Don't allow yourself to get too distracted, but use your treat or break as motivation to work hard, knowing that you have something to look forward to once you've finished. For some more tips on having a positive study-life balance, check out this video.
If you want some more useful exam tips and guidance, then we've got loads of amazing advice to help guide you through exam season on the pages below, what are you waiting for? Give them a tap!
If you need support
You should always tell someone about the things you’re worried about. You can tell a friend, parent, guardian, teacher, or another trusted adult. If you're struggling with your mental health, going to your GP can be a good place to start to find help. Your GP can let you know what support is available to you, suggest different types of treatment and offer regular check-ups to see how you’re doing.
If you’re in need of in-the-moment support you can contact Childline, where you can speak to a counsellor. Their lines are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
There are more links to helpful organisations on BBC Action Line.
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