Doing a mock exam is an important part of your exam preparation. It helps focus your studies, gives you an important snapshot of your knowledge, and it can help you overcome exam-day nerves.
Sitting a mock exam, and then debriefing it gives you an incredible insight into how prepared you are for an exam. You can find out where you are performing well but, more importantly, you can identify any gaps in your knowledge. And because you have taken the mock exam in advance of the real thing, you can take action to fill in any gaps before your exam.
Going through the process of preparing for and taking a mock exam can get you into a great studying mindset. Structure your studies and set a realistic target date. Then work towards doing the mock under full exam conditions – to time and with no notes! Don’t forget to plan time to debrief the mock to get the full benefit. The Compass planner tool can really help with this activity.
Exam-day nerves are completely natural but the more practice you have the better you will get at overcoming them. Doing your mock in exam conditions will help become familiar with the process, which will then help you overcome the stress of exam day and make the real exam less daunting.
Complete the full mock mock then use the videos to debrief your answers. Don't leave this until the last minute - do the mock early enough so that you can make improvements in problem areas.