8 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Online Exam

Technology has made many things easier for us, including acquiring education. Online learning has revolutionized education and has made it easier to receive quality education wherever you are without leaving your home. However, online learning also has numerous other benefits, such as a flexible schedule and affordability.

While technology has made education much easier, it cannot eliminate the most dreaded part of every semester: the exams. Online exams are much different than traditional ones. They come with a lot more responsibility and have a different format than the exams you might have completed on campus.

Therefore, it is natural to be a little stressed if this is your first time taking an online exam. But there is no need to worry. This guide will help you prepare for your online exams and perform your best.

1. Create a realistic study schedule

Pursuing an online degree, especially an advanced degree like a master’s program, requires a lot of time and dedication. These degrees benefit working professionals the most, allowing them to work while studying. With that said, handling work, studying, and other responsibilities together is no walk in the park, right? So, there is a high chance you might not have gotten a lot of time to focus on your coursework throughout the semester.

No need to worry, though! You can still study and catch up before the exam by following a study schedule. Graduate degrees, like an online masters degree in sports administration, cover various and often complicated courses like facility planning and event management, legal aspects, strategies for coaching, etc. So, it is necessary to create a realistic study schedule that allows you to cover each topic or subject without getting overwhelmed.

A study schedule can help you cover each topic in depth while fulfilling other commitments you may have. It also allows you to prepare for your exams with an organized approach so that you don’t miss anything or face any issues at the end. However, it is necessary to remember to add breaks to your schedule to help you refresh your brain and boost productivity.

2. Try mock papers

Just like you can try mock papers for traditional exams, you can also try mock papers for online exams. You can ask your instructor to provide you with mock papers or old exams online. After you have studied all the material, you can attempt the mock exam to check your preparation.

It is important to note that while attempting a mock exam, creating an environment similar to an actual online exam is necessary. Make sure you sit in a distraction-free environment and try to complete the exam in the given time. This will not only help improve time management skills but also give you an idea of what to expect from an online exam.

3. Check if everything is working

It is necessary to check if all your devices are working a few hours before your exam. This includes everything you will need to complete your exam. So, here’s what you need to check:

• If your Wi-Fi is working and has strong signals.
• If the software you need for your exams is working.
• If your laptop is charged, with a backup power source.
• If your laptop or computer is updated and ready to go.

4. Learn about the format

Don’t forget to discuss the format of the exam with your professor beforehand. While you can get an idea of the format by attempting a mock paper, we strongly advise you to double-check by discussing it with your teacher to avoid any complications.

Your teacher will let you know the types of questions you can expect in the exam, like Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), essays, or short answers, along with the time limit for the exam. This will help you get an idea of what to expect from the online exam so you can prepare accordingly.

5. Get familiar with tech

Online education completely depends on technology – of course! So, it is necessary to ensure that you know how to access and use the software that will be used in the exam. Make sure you know how to access everything, such as a microphone or camera, during the exam. Similarly, have a backup plan or learn how to deal with possible technical difficulties beforehand.

6. Read the instructions carefully

Going over the instructions is crucial before attempting an online exam. This will allow you to attempt the exam accordingly and avoid any mistakes. The instructions can include the time limit, the number of questions you must attempt, how to attempt them, etc. Online exams also have certain guidelines that help prevent students from cheating – oh yes! Technology can catch you better than an invigilator.

Hence, you may be instructed to avoid leaving the browser or software, opening a new tab on your browser, or anything else. So, make sure to follow all these guidelines to complete your exam and avoid being disqualified.

7. Create a distraction-free environment

This tip is useful for studying for your exam and for the day of the exam as well. It is important to study in an environment without distractions like noise, people, or anything else that may prevent you from studying.

Moreover, a distraction-free environment is even more crucial for the day of the exam. Make sure your phone is not in the room, the temperature of the room is perfect, and you are alone. You can ask your family or roommates to avoid making noise and stay away from the room where you’ll be taking the exam to minimize distractions.

8. Try to stay relaxed

Last but not least, remember to stay relaxed before and during your exam. It is normal to feel a little tense before an exam. However, you might also experience test anxiety which can negatively impact your performance even if you are prepared for the exam.

So, before the exam, take deep breaths to help relax your body and mind. It is also important to believe in yourself and be confident about your preparation and ability to attempt the exam as best as possible.

Concluding Thoughts

Online exams require a different approach than regular exams, which can make you feel worried or stressed. However, with the right preparation, you can easily ace all your online exams. All you need is a combination of time management, a good study schedule, practice, and some tech skills.

Following these tips and tricks and adjusting them to your learning style can help you succeed in the digital classroom.