Exam Season Tips: What to Do (and What Not to Do) Before the Leaving and Junior Cert

With the Leaving Certificate and Junior Cycle examinations fast approaching, Ireland's leading online grinds provider has shared practical advice to help students and their families navigate the final stretch of preparation.

Dan Sheedy, Principal of The Tuition Centre, has drawn on years of experience to compile a list of dos and don'ts covering everything from study planning to mental wellbeing.

Dan Sheedy said:

"The Junior, and, in particular the Leaving Cert exams, are a significant milestone for both students and their families, and can cause stress in the household. But over the next few weeks in the lead up to exams if you follow a plan and stick to it, you will reap the rewards.Keep on top of your sleep, exercise and nutrition, be organised, and don't let comparisons with fellow friends or students drag you down. Go into the exams with a positive mindset and don't put too much pressure on yourself to achieve a certain grade in one exam, they all count."

Among the key pieces of advice, Sheedy encourages students to plan their study routine early, attend their final classes, and maintain a healthy balance of sleep, exercise, and social time. He also urges students to arrive early on exam days, know what they need to bring, and stay organised with the timetable.

On the other side of the list, students are advised not to trust social media "predictions" about exam content, not to compare themselves with peers, and not to fixate on a particular grade. Sheedy also warns against neglecting sleep, noting that the body and brain will not perform well after an all-nighter.

He adds that students should not be disheartened if a paper feels difficult, as examiners adjust marking schemes across the country to account for the level of challenge.

The Tuition Centre provides live, interactive, and recorded online grinds to thousands of students across Ireland each week.