How to NOT fail your exams

Thursday 11-01-2024 - 16:13

As the uni year starts picking up pace, you know that those dreaded assessments and exams are looming large.

It can be pretty daunting, especially if this is your first year, but there's a ton of support to help you out.

We’ve put together a fool proof guide to make sure you don’t accidently flunk your assessment or exam. Hopefully, these tips will make life a little bit easier in these stressful periods.

Wishing you lots of luck, The Union x

What support is available?

There's a lot of help out there for you when it comes to exams and assessments. You can attend workshops, get one-on-one support, ask for feedback on your writing, or get help with numeracy. All these resources are there to help you, so don't be afraid to use them.

Just talking to your tutor can also make a big difference. They want you to pass just as much as you do, so it can't hurt to ask them for some one-on-one support.

Get in touch with the Study Skills Team to point you in the right direction.

Personal Learning Plans are also available for students with disabilities who need extra assistance.

Get clued up on Academic Misconduct

It's easy to make mistakes, and we've all been there. However, it's crucial to remember that mistakes in your assessments could result in an academic misconduct meeting. There are penalties for misconduct, so it's essential to be aware of what to avoid.. Find out how to make sure your work is accurate and honest before you submit it.

Know the difference between studying together, and plagiarism

Studying with your peers can be very helpful and can ease the pressure off. However, it is important to understand the difference between collaborating with your classmates and submitting work that is not your own.

Do not share your own work with others, and never copy someone else's work either. If there are any similarities between your work and someone else's, the University's systems will detect it and both parties may face disciplinary action and academic penalties.

The same rules apply to any work found online that is not your own. Instead of copying or submitting work you found online, seek help from the resources provided in this article.

Plagiarism or contract cheating (paying someone else to complete your work) are serious offenses that can lead to severe consequences.

After all the hard work you've put in, it's not worth taking the risk of failing your assessments.

Using AI properly

Generative AI tools can be pretty helpful in developing your subject knowledge and engaging with factual information. However, there are some risks involved in using them, so it's important to understand these risks before you start using these tools.

If you're studying a course where AI is essential, you'll need to understand and engage with it. For other courses, your tutors might want you to use generative AI in specific settings and to think critically about it. Whenever you use these tools, make sure you follow your tutor's instructions and don't be afraid to ask them for help if you're not sure what to do.

If you decide to use generative AI to help with an assessment, like coming up with initial ideas or developing a high-level essay plan, make sure you're honest about it and explain how you used it. Whatever you do, don't try to pass off material produced with the help of generative AI as your own work. This counts as academic misconduct and could get you kicked off your course.

Have one final check, and then check again

We all know that feeling, you’ve spent hours and hours completing your assessment and you’re sick of the sight of it.

It’s tempting to finish your last sentence and just submit it so that it’s gone, and you don’t have to think about it again. Is it really worth putting in all that work to not check it at the end? If you’ve put in all those hours, another few minutes won’t hurt.

Check over your work one last time (or even one more after that), and make sure that you’re happy with what you’re submitting.

If you spend that little bit more time to make sure you’re not submitting your draft, your references are correct, and your spelling and punctuation are on point – you’ve got nothing to worry about. You’ve got this.

Don't struggle alone

On top of academic support, there’s also loads of personal support available to you, both at the University and The Union. You don’t need to struggle if you’re going through a rough time, especially during your assessments.

There’re options available to you at the click of a button. Whether it’s wellbeing issues, financial problems, disability and inclusion issues, or faith support you need – there’s always someone you can speak to.

These topics are also reasons why you can get an extension on your assessments too if you need it.

You can now get a 7-day extension by self-certifying without the need for evidence. If you’ve got evidence, you can also get a 14-day extension on your work.

The Union’s Advice Centre are also available for any of the above topics, as well as further support in extension applications.