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Mocks and revision

Hi everyone!

I’ve currently got two of my mock grades back. They are both not entirely what I want or anticipate to get. I really did work hard to revise and am now unsure how to use these tests to my advantage. They’re mostly STEM that I struggle with, any tips?
Thanks!

Reply 1

UniofLawstudent2

Official Rep

Original post

by LucyJaneS

Hi everyone!
I’ve currently got two of my mock grades back. They are both not entirely what I want or anticipate to get. I really did work hard to revise and am now unsure how to use these tests to my advantage. They’re mostly STEM that I struggle with, any tips?
Thanks!

Hi Lucy,
Here's some things I did myself for Stem A-levels, assuming that's what you're doing, this still works for GCSE as well though, so don't worry.

1. Break down where the marks were lost. Go through each question and work out whether the issue was content, timing, or misunderstanding the wording. This gives you a clear revision plan. You should get an understanding of which topics you struggle with, what type of questions you struggle with, is it knowledge, application, or analysis...etc.
This is extremely important for all stem, but especially biology and chemistry, as you can work yourself into an A with the right methods.

2. Look for patterns. Adding on to the previous tip, when identifying which type of questions you’re finding tough, identify the patterns in the way you answer it. (calculations, logic steps, graphs, etc.) so you can target those directly and you will figure out eventually even when the wording changes, the way you answer it should always be near identical.

3. Practise little and often STEM questions improve most with repetition. Short daily practice sessions are much more effective than trying to revise everything at once.
With A level especially, cram sessions do NOT work. If I was informed I had a test in a week, i would have revised all my knowledge needed within the first 5 days, only using the last 2 for question practice.
When I did cram sessions I would average a B, it's only when I did shorter more regular sessions my grades improved in my mocks.

Hope this helps,
Alfred,
Ulaw.