With the second semester exams just two weeks away, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about something many students can relate to—the fear of exams. It’s that uneasy feeling in your chest, the constant overthinking, and the late-night regrets of not starting earlier. It’s funny how something that happens every semester still manages to stir up anxiety like it's the first time.
To be honest, I’ve been writing exams for as long as I can remember. From primary school tests to major university exams, it has always been a part of my academic journey. But one thing I’ve come to realize over the years is this: if you prepare early enough, then there’s really nothing to fear. That might sound cliché, but trust me, it’s the plain truth.
I’ve always been someone who crams during the dying minutes. You know those types who suddenly become serious when the exam timetable is released? Yeah, that’s me. It’s usually around one week to the exams that I start feeling the pressure. That’s when you’ll see me in the library or joining reading groups like I’ve been serious all semester.
My normal routine was to stay up all night reading—burning the so-called midnight candle. I’d sometimes sleep around 3 a.m. when I have a paper scheduled for 8 a.m. And instead of feeling confident, I would wake up groggy, stressed, and panicking about the outcome. I’ve even had moments where I overslept and had to rush into the exam hall half-prepared and shaking.
But something changed last semester. I decided to try a different approach. Instead of waiting until the last week, I began reading seriously from about four weeks into the exam. It wasn’t anything intense, just a few hours every day. I read with friends, revised lecture notes, and practiced questions gradually. By the time the exam week came around, I noticed a huge difference. I didn’t have to stay up all night anymore. The night before each paper, I simply went through my notes, reminded myself of key points, and then went to bed early while others were still struggling to understand what they hadn’t even looked at all semester.
That peaceful sleep and relaxed mind on exam day made a big difference. I walked into the hall feeling calm, prepared, and confident. No shaking hands, no panic attacks—just a clear mind and a pen ready to do justice.
Honestly, I think the main reasons why many students fear exams are procrastination and lack of preparation. When you keep pushing your reading till later, it piles up and becomes overwhelming. That’s when fear starts to creep in. But the truth is, no exam is too hard if you’ve taken time to prepare. Even those dreaded calculation courses become easier when you face them early on.
So if you’re like how I used to be—waiting till the last minute—try changing your strategy. Start reading now, even if it’s just a little each day. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just start. When exam week comes, you’ll be glad you did. The fear will fade, and you’ll face the papers with boldness and peace of mind.
Thanks for reading.