After hearing the responses on the article aimed to help O Level candidates, I decided that it would be unfair to not write another version for you guys as well. Yes, I am a nice person and you are welcome :P
So anyway, we are well into the first week of March and my dear candidates you have approximately two months left to cram as much information into your heads as you possibly can. I know it's hard, that you probably still have significant chunks of the syllabus left to conquer, and honestly you still don't feel like studying the way you think you should. A year (or two) ago I was in the same situation: and I understand.
I've made this post to help you out as much as I can within the time available. If you have any questions or need help, feel free to comment at the end of the article.
Note: I took five subjects in my A-Levels - Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math, and Computing. Throughout the article, I will be specifically referring to them.
Some wise words from a girl who's been through it all (and survived):
- Organize - I cannot stress this point enough. You are worried and nervous because you still don't know exactly how much you have left. For each subject, jot down the syllabus points which are remaining or those you're still confused about. How much of each question paper is left? Do you need to revise everything? Be honest with yourself and record everything.
- Manage your time - Once you've made your list, internally order your task in terms of importance. The one that's in the worst condition is the one you should study now. Don't get stuck on any one subject. Rotate your study pattern - if you've been studying Physics all morning, fit in hours of Math or Chemistry at night.
- Question Papers and Mark Schemes - You probably know by now that practicing question papers is absolutely not required. Past papers are useless. Lol. I hope you all realized that I was joking... because the more you practice these, the better you'll get. An important point to note is that you shouldn't panic if you still haven't finished each and every year. Unlike O Levels, you only get a year for AS and another for A2, so it's normal to not have finished them yet. Once you're somewhat prepared, I'd advise you to finish the recent years as soon as possible. They will help you the most.
- Mistake lists, formula sheets and noting - Be it O Level or A Level, I would advise every student to make these. After giving a mock, write down the correct answers of your mistakes. Make formula sheets for physics and math. Writing always helps; doing this will help you remember and also revise. Note: There's more detail on these in my article for O-Level. Here's the link: Prepare For O Levels – Last Minute Edition
- Finally, don't panic. Worrying about exams never, ever helps.
Frequently asked questions/complaints from candidates:
Do I need to study AS material again for A2?
The answer is yes. You will probably not need every single page and syllabus point, but to be honest, the A Level question paper is based on the whole syllabus content. You would do well to go through your old notes and concepts. Personally, a large portion of my A2 chemistry paper was made from AS content - revise it. Don't let anything in the exam hall surprise you.
I can't finish within the time limit. What do I do?
Skip anything that you are unsure about and is making you think longer than three minutes to understand. Finish the easy things quickly, without mistakes. Once you've been through the whole paper, go back and attempt the parts you have left out.
I don't feel like studying. At all.
Quite frankly, in a few months when you will ask yourself why you aren't happy with your grades, do you want to say that 'I didn't feel like studying'? Check out my article on procrastination - it might help. Link: A Guide To Win Against Procrastination
Here ends my quick guide on some last minute prep for A-Levels. I hope it has helped you in some way; let me know in the comments section if it has :) Also, if you have any questions include them, and I will be happy to answer. Don't be shy to leave a like and a follow!
Thanks,
Suha
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