Taking exams

Overview Study Tips
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How to prepare How to make the best out of your exams Different types of exams and how to beat them How to proceed?

How to prepare

It's probably not your first time preparing for and taking exams. 
You know how it's done! 
However, you might need to adjust your exam skills to fit Hasselt University's style.

Check out these tips to help you succeed:

Space out your study over time

Don't cram all your study time into the days before your exam!
Instead, spread your study sessions throughout the academic year. This way, you are well-prepared for your study period before the exams.

You might need a realistic revision schedule to help you space out your studying over time.

Draw up a realistic revision schedule

A revision schedule helps you stay on track, keep an overview and calm your nerves.

You can build your study schedule in 3 steps:

  1. Get the information
    Check the date, time and place of your exams.
    You can find this information four weeks before the start of the examination period at MyTimetable.
    Write this information down in a schedule, e.g. Google Calendar or this monthly planner template.
  2. Count: how many days do you have to study?
    How many days are in your schedule between the last lecture and the first exam?
    Those are your revision days.
  3. Make a plan
    How many revision days do you need for each exam? Allocate the revision days over the exams you will take.
    Write on your schedule which days you will study for each exam.

Helpful tips for exam planning

  • Inform others about your exam schedule

Share your schedule with your housemates and friends. Let them know the dates of your exams and how you plan to organise your study days. This will help ensure you aren't disturbed while studying and can take breaks together.

  • Plan revision day(s)

It's the best study hack ever!
Don't you believe it?
→ Watch this video and find out the importance of repeating, repeating, repeating (video, 4')

  • Study according to your biorhythm

Are you at your best in the morning, afternoon or evening? Plan most study hours and complex learning material in your best moments.

But watch out! Completely reversing your day-night rhythm - studying at night and sleeping during the day - is not recommended.

- Read more about night owls and early birds and each advantage (website)
- 10 ways to benefit from your biorhythm type in learning (website)
- Discover how you can tailor your study tasks to your biorhythm (video, 9')
- The advantages of different study moments listed (infographic)

  • Create a study routine

A solid daily structure makes studying easier.
For example, get up at the same time each day, start studying at a fixed time, always take a (lunch) break at the same time ...
Discover why a study routine is useful (website)

  • Choose the best place to study

Find out where you study best: at your place, on campus, or in the library.
Do you prefer to study alone or together? With or without music?
Everyone is different; choose the study place that suits you best.

Let your study space support your concentration:

- Tidy up your desk
- Remove all distractions

More tips on concentration in our e-module Focus (website)

  • Relax

Take regular study breaks and relax. It is essential to charge your batteries now and then to keep going.
Find out how and when to take breaks (website)

  • Don't study until a few minutes before the exam

Take time to prepare yourself and relax the night before each exam.
If you want to study right before the exam, revise the main points once more instead of learning new topics.

- Ten tips for the night before an exam (video, 4')
- Things to think about before an exam (infographic)
- What to do the morning of an exam? (infographic)
- Exam day tips (website + video, 3’)

  • Study smart

So much to study, so little time … what can you do?
- Study the most critical parts by heart.
- Focus on a deep understanding of the course material by:

- More about how to study effectively for an exam (video, 9')
- Learn everything about an active study strategy (website)

  • Started too late? Are you left with too little time?

Do you feel like you have too little time left to thoroughly study the subject matter before the exam? Here are some suggestions on what to do:

- Tips when you're running short on time (website)
- Seven last-minute exam tips (website)
- Five last-minute tips at a glance (infographic)

How to make the best out of your exams

There are many different kinds of exams, but these guidelines work well for all exams:

  • Scan through the exam

Before you start answering the questions:
- Read the instructions (what is expected of you?)
- Check how many questions there are
- Calculate how much time you can spend on each question

  • Read carefully

Read both the instructions and the questions thoroughly. Don't read what you think, but read what is asked of you.
Indicate keywords and split the questions into different parts to make sure you've read all aspects of the question.
- Better understand what is asked of you (website)
- Deconstruct a question to fully get it (video, 1')
- These instruction words in a question tell you what to do (document)

  • Use your scratch sheet

How can you use your scratch sheet?
- Write down some core ideas for every question
- Build up your answer and structure it
- Try out solutions
- Work out calculations
! Do not write your full answer in draft to neatly rewrite on your exam form; you will run out of time.

  • Add structure to your answer

Build up your answer in a well-thought structure:
- Use paragraphs
- Connect paragraphs in a logical way
- Underline keywords in your answer
- Add numbering where useful
- Stick to the provided answer space

- Build a structure to your answer by repeating the question (video, 1')
- Use the PEEL structure (Point - Explanation - Example - Link) (video, 2')
- Read more about the PEEL structure (website)
- Check this example on how to answer questions effectively (slide show)

  • Easy questions first

Don't dwell too long on a question if you don't know the answer immediately.
Skip the difficult questions and solve the most straightforward ones to ensure you have those points.

  • Stay calm

When you feel the nerves taking over, close your eyes and take a few slow, deep breaths.
Find the most straightforward question and answer that one first, or write down a few key thoughts on your scratch paper.
More information and tips on how to manage stress (website)

  • Check yourself

At the end of each exam, keep some time for review.
Read through the entire exam:
- Check whether you have answered all the questions
- Reread not only your answers but also the questions. Make sure you effectually responded to the question asked
- Check whether your answer is clear and comprehensive
- Are your calculations correct?
- Correct your spelling mistakes
Avoid making 'stupid' mistakes on your exams (video, 5')

Different types of exams and how to beat them

There are different types of exams and different types of questions. Check the evaluation type of your courses in the online study guide. 
Different exam questions require different approaches.
Find out more information and tips below.

Closed book exam

Most of your exams will probably be ‘closed book’ exams. This means you cannot bring any resources with you on the exam. You have to rely on your memory and understanding of the course material to answer the questions on the exam.

Open book exam

In an open-book exam, you are permitted to bring certain course materials with you. The professor will provide specific instructions on what you are allowed to bring.

  • Ensure your material is well-organised to retrieve information effortlessly during the exam. You can use tabs and make lists with keywords …

  • The questions on an open-book exam are usually in-depth; the answers can't be found literally in the book.
    Questions can include case studies and ask you to integrate information from different course chapters. So ensure you understand the subject well, think of links, and overview the 'big picture'.

  • Keep an eye on the clock!
    You won't have the time to retrieve and reread everything in your books. So study well beforehand and manage your time wisely during the exam.

More tips?

Take-home exam?

A take-home exam is a variant of an open-book exam that you can make at your location. It typically consists of one or a few questions, for which you get a lot of time.

Open-ended questions

Open-ended questions are questions that need a complete, well-formulated answer.
There are different types of open questions:
- Fill-in-the-blank-questions
- Short-answer questions (those require a brief, precise answer)
- Long-answer questions or essay questions (which require a long and well-structured answer)

For most open-ended questions, the teacher expects you to write comprehensive, well-structured answers that contain sentences, lists, etc. You need to give new and deeper insights into the subject matter.
Depending on the question and the blank provided, the length of your answer may vary.
Tips for open-ended questions:

  • Read the question carefully

Pay attention to what is being asked and what is expected of you.
- This is how you analyse an exam question (video, 1')
- These words tell you exactly what the teacher expects from you (website)

Think about the broad outlines of your answer before you write it down.
Use scratch paper to write down keywords and build a structure.

  • Answer to the question

- Be clear and precise in your statements
- Show that you have mastered the content
- Limit your answer to what is asked
- Check: is your answer an answer to the question asked?
- Check whether you have answered each part of the question.

  • Add structure to your answer

Write down your answer in a logical structure:
- Use paragraphs
- Coherently connect paragraphs (use words like 'firstly', 'in addition', 'finally'...)
- Underline keywords in your answer, and add numbering when convenient
- Stick to the answer space provided

Some more tips:
- Start by repeating the question in your own words (video, 1')
- Use the PEEL structure: point - explanation - example - link (video, 2')
- Read more about the PEEL structure (website)
- This slideshow gives you a concrete example of how you can structure your answer

  • Write clearly and legibly

You don't want to lose grades because the teacher can't decipher your handwriting.
Do you have dysgraphia? The disability officer can help you find solutions.

  • Exam with essay questions?

The teacher expects you to write out your answer comprehensively for essay questions.
- Some tips on essay questions (video, 9')
- Read more about answering essay questions (website)

Closed-ended questions

Closed-ended questions are either:

  • Questions you can answer with "yes" or "no" or "true" or "false". You might have to explain your answer.
  • Multiple-choice questions: you must find the correct answer between different options.

Sometimes, there is a penalty for guessing, which means you will lose points if you choose the wrong answer. Read the exam instructions carefully.
When a penalty for wrong answers  is applied, it's often better not to fill out the questions you can't solve

Take note
Some study programmes use the online evaluation tool 'ANS'. In this tool, you're not only asked to select the correct answer, but you must also indicate how confident you are about your answer (i.e. the degree of certainty). This system also penalises wrong answers, but an incorrect answer can still give you points. It’s advised to answer all questions on exams in ANS.
Closed-ended questions can focus on knowing, understanding and applying the subject matter. So be aware: it is certainly not just a matter of factual knowledge; insight and exercises can also be questioned!

Computational, problem-solving and case-based questions

In these questions, you must find a solution to new exercises or case studies.

How to prepare?

  • Make exercises and test exams (without looking for the solution first)
  • Mix exercises from different chapters
  • Make sure you have a good command of the theoretical concepts that can help you solve the exercises
  • Making a formulary can provide an overview

! Do not expect the same exercises on the exam as in the practice sessions; you might get an unpleasant surprise. On the exam, it is tested whether you can go a step further and if you can solve new kinds of exercises.

Oral exam

On an oral exam, you must explain your answers to the professor.
You might get some time to read the questions and prepare your answers on paper.

Tips for tackling your oral exam (website)
How to prepare for an oral exam? (video, 12')

Tips for oral exams WITH written preparation:

  • Write down a short, well-structured answering schedule with only the keywords
  • Avoid entire sentences (unless the professor asks otherwise)
  • Keep an eye on the time
  • Use your oral explanation to demonstrate that you have mastered the subject matter

Tips for your oral explanation to the professor:
Take care of your non-verbal communication:

  • Make a good first impression
  • Enter enthusiastically; it makes you look confident
  • Watch your body language: sit up straight and make eye contact with your examiner

→ Discover how your body language can help you during an oral exam (video, 9')

Some tips for your verbal expression:

  • Take your time to answer
  • If you couldn't prepare your answer, paraphrase the question to give yourself time to think about the question
  • Make links between the parts of the subject matter. Give examples
  • End your statement with a decision summarising your answer
  • Try not to be upset by the professor's facial expression or behaviour
  • Do not be put off by the additional questions. If necessary, ask for a further explanation of the question
  • If you don't know the answer, say you don't know

Permanent evaluation

Permanent evaluation or ‘continuous assessment’ typically consists of assignments (portfolio, interim tests, paper, reports, etc.) during the teaching period.

Presentation

An (oral) presentation can be a part of your evaluation. It can be taken individually or in a group.

Tips for a good presentation: 

  • Ensure you understand what you can expect: check the instructions on Blackboard/Toledo, the study guide or ask your professor or fellow students
  • Check the evaluation criteria (e.g. content, presentation skills)
  • Research your topic. Make sure you know what you are talking about
  • Decide on the format (e.g. How much time do you have to present? Do you want to use media?)
  • Stick to the main idea and build up your presentation logically
  • Rehearse. Have at least one test run in the mirror or with your family, friends or fellow students
  • Provide time to ask questions

- Check this step-by-step plan for a successful presentation (website)
- Watch this lousy presentation and learn how to ameliorate it (video, 5’)
- Do’s and dont’s for public speaking in an overview (infographic)

Online exams

Do you have online exams?

  • Read all the guidelines carefully
  • How much time do you get?
  • Check on which online environment the exam will take place: Blackboard, Toledo, Google Meet ...
  • Install the indicated browser and software and test it
  • Check before the exam: is your laptop charged; are sound, headset and microphone working well; check network / WIFI …
  • Mimic an on-campus exam situation as much as possible: switch off your mobile phone, eliminate distractions, take pen and paper at hand, and inform inmates so they don’t disturb you during the exam...
  • Follow the instructions accurately in case of electronic supervision
  • Pay attention to the available time during the exam
  • Do not panic if you have technical problems: notify the lecturer or the ‘help centre’ immediately, and take a screenshot …
  • Don’t forget to send or submit your online exam after completing it

Get all the information about your online exams with this checklist (website)

  • Are the conditions not ideal for taking your online exam at home?
  • Do you lack a trustworthy PC or a quiet place with a stable internet connection to properly take your online exam at home?

You can apply to take your online exam on campus (website)
The social services offer free loaner laptops for students who do not have a computer temporarily.
You can find the application form in your electronic student file.

How to proceed?

  • Time to try some things

This website offers many tips on tackling your study and exam period. Now:

  • Write down the ideas and tips you want to try
  • Choose one idea or tip to start with
  • Pick a date and a time and try out the new idea

Check out our topic, ‘self-regulation’, for more tips to make your resolutions successful.

  • Make an appointment

Would you like some personal advice on drawing up your exam schedule?
Would you like to personally discuss how to approach certain exams with a study coach?

→ Don’t hesitate to make a free appointment with one of the study coaches of your programme, online or on campus! The study coaches are happy to help you.

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