Congratulations, you have made it through the A1 season! Whether it was with a few bumps in the road or smooth sailing – you lived to see another day or, in the case of every Matie, another assessment season. Therefore, Die Matie has compiled a one-stop guide to your A2’s success!
Method is key!
Of all the students who spoke to Die Matie, a common piece of advice was found: Method is key! Whether it’s making use of prescribed quizzes, like Lucasia – a first-year BSc (Speech Therapy) – or annotated notes from the lecturer’s PowerPoint slides, a method of study that works for you is vital to succeeding. Lané van der Merwe, a third-year BCom (Accounting) student, also highlighted the importance of applying a different study method to each module, “Study methods really need to be adapted to the module, which is quite difficult in the beginning, but I really do think it’s worth it. And it’s worked so well for me personally.” With some modules being more theoretical and others more practical, the way you study the content will greatly impact your success rate. Another study method that was found to be useful, was the use of previous test/ exam papers as it gives students a clear idea of the layout of a test or exam. Students have also noticed how some questions have reappeared, word-for-word, in present papersYour one-stop guide to A2’s!
Less stress, more success!
Anlia Marais, a third-year BA (Drama and Theatre Studies), recommended various practical ways in which she lessens her stress when it comes to studying and preparing for the A2’s. She mentioned that stress management was essential , “there’s this fine balance between preparation and self-care.” Some methods to decrease stress, include:
- Exercise
- Making time for friends, family and yourself
- Setting up a timetable or schedule
- Taking breaks where needed
- Not waiting until the last minute to study… So, no procrastinating (wink!)
Without the added burden of unnecessary stress, one is able to focus more clearly on the task at hand. So, with that said, make sure to work in study-free moments in between the rush of test prep!
Attending class? Yay or nay?
The ‘Yays’ have it! Attending class is just as, if not more, important as the rest of your preparation. Attending class ensures that you do not miss out on any hints or tips which may be provided – whether voluntarily or not – by the lecturer. Many students have also found that some of the examples or exercises done in class have been included in a test in their exact format. Thus, not only are you gaining insights to the test, but also some of the answers to the questions that may be asked. Arno Lombard, a second-year BCom (Industrial Psychology) student, shared how attending class helps him, “It helps a big deal, cutting out [extra] time needed to grasp the work you need to study.” So, attending class might start to look a bit more attractive right now, right?
A1 vs A2 vs A3: Is there a difference?
Even with the content load differing so vastly between the A1’s and A2/A3’s, the above Ace it-guide still applies.The only change is that students have found that they need to start with their study preparation a few more days in advance when it comes to the A2/A3 season. Where it would be perfectly suitable to start prepping for an A1 a week in advance, prepping for an A2 or A3 might require a bit more time – for example, a week and a half to two weeks before the date of examination. Students have also found daily revision during the A2’s more beneficial as the content of these exams stretch over two terms as opposed to the one term required for A1’s.
At the end of the day, the key is consistency, preparation and a little bit of self-care, all of which can guarantee your success. So, don’t forget to take a deep breath, grab your notes (or maybe a snack first), work hard and celebrate the results at the end – no matter how small or large they may be!
By Anica Hattingh
