A mock exam is meant to be an exact replica of the real exam and can really help you assess your level of knowledge and preparation.
You may remember them from school at a time where they might have felt useless or just adding pressure to an already difficult time. But now here’s a lot of research into why mock exams are important, and greatly improve your chances of passing your final exam.
Sharpen your revision
You might be like me and hate revision, but unfortunately it’s a vital part of the exam prep process. And you’ll be revising for a lot longer than the exam itself. So by revising for a mock, you’re actually revising for the real thing. Doing a mock during your revision process can help determine just how much you will be able to answer on the exam paper.
Once you’ve done a mock, you’ll be able to see the areas that are weaker than others, and focus your revision sessions on the tricky stuff that you got stuck on.
Practice your technique
Everyone has a different approach to exams, so by sitting a mock exam you can see how you focus and perfect your exam technique.
Make use of the mock exams. Learn how to produce concise answers within a set time frame, understand how you behave in an exam situation, and practice breathing techniques to keep you calm. You need to go into the exam feeling confident in your knowledge and revising for a mock will help you with your learning and exam technique. It’s a practice run but you need to take it as seriously as the real thing, as this will help you in the long run.
Get used to the pressure
Sitting an exam is one of the most stressful things you can do, so it’s always a good idea to get used to it before the real thing. Pressure can do strange things to us. For some people it can lead to nerves, anxiety, frustration and sloppy mistakes. But for others they become more focussed, work harder and perform better.
Better to find out before the real exam which type you are. Do you fall apart under pressure, or knuckle down and get the job done? If you don’t do a practice exam, you won’t know until it’s too late.
Familiarity is key
And finally, the more mocks you do, the more familiar you become with the exam structure, and hopefully the topic you’re being tested on. They can help you relax into the real exam, and really focus on top answers, full of detail where necessary.
Best of luck with your exams - and remember, practice makes perfect!
If you need some materials and resources for your exam prep, check out our Pocket Notes, Exam Kits, Revision Cards and Mock Exams - different resources are available depending on which course you are doing.