Things to Avoid Before the Exam

Whether it is the YKS (TYT-AYT), KPSS, or LGS, every type of exam creates serious stress and pressure on both the individual taking the exam and those around them. As we all know today, exam stress is one of the most significant reasons for failures in exam results. Even a person who has studied regularly and systematically for a long time and has scored high in practice exams may perform below their potential due to the intense excitement, anxiety, or negative thoughts that rush into their mind when they actually take the exam. To prevent such negative situations, it is not enough to just be knowledgeable about exam tactics and relaxation methods. It is also essential to be aware of what not to do before the exam. Because exam success is closely related not only to knowledge accumulation but also to proper mental and emotional preparation.

The Impact of Exam Stress by Age Group and the Role of Families

The ones most affected by exam stress are young students who will take high school and university entrance exams. For these young individuals, who are still trying to cope with the emotional and hormonal fluctuations of adolescence, the exam process can further increase their existing anxieties. Candidates taking exams like KPSS or ALES also experience stress, but since these individuals are mature adults who have stepped into adulthood, they can manage the process better thanks to their life experiences and developed stress coping mechanisms.

Students who have just entered or recently exited adolescence are much less experienced in coping with exam stress. Therefore, the recommendations regarding what should and should not be done before the exam periods should be addressed under two main headings, aimed at both students and their families. It should not be forgotten that the role of families and the close environment in this process is much more critical than anticipated and directly affects the child's mental health.

a) Recommendations for Parents: What to Pay Attention To Before the Exam?

The behaviors of parents and other relatives close to the student during the exam period are quite effective in overcoming exam stress in either a positive or negative way. Among the things to avoid before the exam, the first and most important is that the young person taking the exam should not be subjected to excessive pressure and emotional manipulation.

• Avoid Pressure and Excessive Expectations: Statements like "Focus only on this exam, your life depends on it," or "We have done everything for you, now it's your turn" create unnecessary pressure on the student and trigger the fear of failure. Contrary to what is believed, this situation prevents the student from concentrating on their studies and causes them to go through a period filled with fear. Instead, use supportive, unconditional love statements like "No matter what the result is, we will be by your side and we love you" to instill confidence in them. Make them feel that failure is not an end but a new beginning.

• Keep Exam Talks to a Minimum: Especially when there is limited time left until the exam, it is necessary to talk as little as possible about the exam and its results during enjoyable family times like dinner or weekend activities. Such times should be used to relax and unwind the student rather than to stress them out. Engage in conversations about different topics, discuss current events, or watch a movie you all enjoy together. Your goal is to convey that the exam is not the only agenda item.

• Do Not Show Your Own Anxiety: The excitement and tension that may occur during the exam week and on the exam day should be reflected as little as possible to the student, and a calm, supportive atmosphere should be created at home. The family's panic can directly transfer to the student and increase their exam anxiety. Remember, your calmness will help your child relax as well. Do not disrupt your routines on the morning of the exam day; avoid a hasty and tense attitude by spreading everything over time.

b) Recommendations for Students: What Should Not Be Focused On Before the Exam?

Among the things students should avoid before the exam, the most important is to avoid unnecessary excitement and stress, especially as the exam date approaches. This period is about taking the final steps of the work done so far rather than panicking.

• Avoid Last-Minute Cramming: If there are no significant gaps in the topics to be studied, it is necessary to ease the intense studying a few days before the exam and limit it to reviewing only a few critical topics. Instead of trying to learn a new topic the night before or the morning of the exam, give your brain a chance to rest and consolidate the information. Scientific research shows that getting enough and quality sleep before the exam is much more beneficial than last-minute studying.

• Do Not Change Your Sleep and Nutrition Routine: One of the biggest secrets to achieving the same comfort and success in the actual exam as in practice exams is not to change your life routine, especially your eating habits and sleep hours, shortly before the exam. Trying a food you have not eaten before on the morning of the exam can upset your stomach and lead to unexpected problems. Regular and healthy nutrition helps keep your mental performance at its peak.

• Avoid Negative Environments and People: During the pre-exam period, stay away from friends who drain your energy, constantly complain, make you anxious, or compare you to others. Taking on the stress of others will only negatively affect your own performance.

• Do Not Completely Isolate Yourself from Social Life: Completely isolating yourself can lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Instead, taking short breaks with your friends, doing light exercises (like walking in nature), or spending time on your hobbies will help you relax your mind and manage exam stress. These activities allow your brain to breathe and help you return to your studies with a fresh perspective.

• Do Not Panic: Accept that the anxiety and worry you feel on the exam day or before is normal. If you start to feel panic during the exam, try to cope with these feelings by doing deep breathing exercises or thinking positively. Remember, your success in the exam is closely related not only to your knowledge but also to your ability to use that knowledge and your power to stay calm. Refresh your confidence in yourself before entering the exam and focus on doing your best to achieve the best result. Instead of thinking about the exam result, concentrating only on the questions at that moment is the key to success.