The ultimate exam success cheat sheet: Top tips for scoring big

Let’s face it: exams can be daunting. Whether you’re facing your GCSEs, A-Levels, or any other academic gauntlet, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. But fear not - this cheat sheet is here to help you get exam-ready and score those top marks. Think of it as your trusty guide to beating the test, step by step. No tip is too small, and every strategy counts!

1. Start before you’re ready

Waiting for motivation is like waiting for summer in December. Just start! Open the book. Read the first line. Highlight the first word. It’s the momentum that matters!

2. Know what you’re actually being tested on

Sounds obvious, right? But you’d be surprised how many people revise everything without checking what actually comes up. Download the syllabus from the exam board's website and use it like your revision Bible. It tells you what you need to know — no more, no less.

3. Do past papers like they’re going out of fashion!

Past papers are your secret weapon. They help you understand how questions are phrased, what examiners are looking for, and how to manage your time. Don’t just read them — write full answers under timed conditions. Then mark them using the official mark schemes (they’re gold dust).

4. Plan your revision like a boss

Cramming = panic. Spaced revision = power. Break subjects into manageable chunks, rotate them across days, and use a calendar or app to track your plan. Bonus points for colour coding!

5. Use active revision - not passive waffling

Simply staring at a textbook isn’t revising. Make flashcards, teach a friend, create mind maps, do quizzes, or record yourself explaining a topic. If it feels like effort, you’re doing it right!

6. Write it out

Writing helps your brain retain information more than typing or just reading. Whether it's writing out essay plans, practising equations, or drawing diagrams - pen and paper are your best mates.

7. Know the command words

"Explain," "analyse," "evaluate," "describe" - each of these wants a different kind of answer. Learn what they actually mean so you give the examiner exactly what they’re asking for in the language they understand.

8. Practice timing - religiously

So many students know the content, but run out of time. Practice writing full answers and even completing full papers under real time pressure. Your job in an exam is part knowledge, part pacing. Use a watch or clock, not just your phone as you won’t have it in an exam.

9. Get your sleep schedule right

Sleep is non-negotiable. All-nighters might make you feel heroic, but tired brains don’t perform. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep, especially the week before your exams. Your brain needs the downtime to store everything you’ve learned.

10. Don’t skip the boring stuff

Just because you might find a topic dull, doesn’t mean it’s not important. The juicy, fun bits are great - but examiners love to throw in those sneaky, overlooked chapters. Face them head on - they’re a chance to scoop up valuable marks.

11. Eat and drink like you’re in training

Think of your brain like a top athlete - it needs fuel! Eat proper meals, stay hydrated, and avoid sugar crashes. A banana before the exam? Underrated genius.

12. Use exam technique tricks

• Bullet points if you’re stuck.

• Skip a question and come back.

• Underline key words in the question.

• Answer the question asked, not the one you wish they’d asked.

• Write something - even a half-answer is better than a blank.

13. Keep calm and breathe

Nerves are normal. But deep breathing, positive affirmations (“I’ve prepared. I can do this”), and grounding techniques can calm exam anxiety. Confidence comes from preparation, not perfection!

14. Check. Every. Single. Page.

Check your work. Re-read your answers. Make sure you haven’t missed a page at the back! You’ll almost always find a little mistake you can fix - and those extra few marks can make all the difference.

There’s no magic trick to getting top marks - but there is a formula: preparation + strategy + confidence = success. Use this cheat sheet, stick to your plan, and give it your best shot.

Success in exams isn’t just for “clever” people. It’s for prepared people. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t revise. So back yourself, put the work in, and walk into that exam room like you own it!

You’ve got this!

For more revision help and tutoring support, our EduBridge team is here to help. Get in touch to find out how we can boost your learning - and your confidence.