I am a senior student about a month away from taking my final school exams. I feel completely inundated with work and no matter how much I try to revise I don't seem to be getting anywhere. I am getting more and more stressed. What can I do?
Teacher Jake Burnett replies:
You and many other students are going through exactly the same tough time right now. Exam preparation - and how to approach it most effectively - is a perennial difficulty that is unavoidable. It can seem especially troublesome if you have many subjects in which you will be tested and the pressure can really start to build if these particular examinations are a benchmark which will determine subsequent options for you, both educationally and in your life and career.
Unfortunately, there is no one quick remedy. It's really important to remember that in your situation a level-headed, calm approach is the best course of action you can take. This will also help you to reflect on the ways and means in which you know you learn and can remember and assimilate information in the best way.
This is vital for you to make progress through a full and detailed revision schedule - and this is perhaps a good starting point. With this short period to go before your exams I would hope that you, with the support of your school, have already been fully revising across your subjects. It is perhaps being in the middle of all of this, with no apparent immediate remedies, that is becoming an initial barrier and is adding to your overall level of stress.
I am certain you will have already been counselled on effective study habits, including working through a balanced revision timetable, sleeping well, leading a measured and healthy lifestyle, and generally looking after yourself - blending relaxation and socialising with concentrated periods of hard, academic work.
Getting these right can be very effective stress-management tools.