By: Dr Artin Backtash-Rad
Edurium’s founder, director and chief educator
Exams can be stressful for students — but often it’s not ability that holds them back, it’s avoidable mistakes. By recognising these pitfalls early, students can improve performance and maximise marks.
At Edurium, with over 20 years of teaching and tuition experience, we’ve helped students succeed in SATs, GCSEs, A-Levels, and Olympiads. Here are the top 10 exam mistakes we see most often — and how to avoid them.
1. Leaving Revision Too Late
Mistake: Starting serious revision only weeks before exams.
Solution: Begin early. A structured timetable with small, daily study sessions is more effective than last-minute cramming.
2. Not Practising with Past Papers
Mistake: Revising notes without tackling real exam-style questions.
Solution: Use past papers under timed conditions to build familiarity and time management skills.
3. Ignoring Weak Areas
Mistake: Spending too much time on subjects they already enjoy.
Solution: Focus on weaker subjects first. At Edurium, our free entry assessment identifies where a student needs the most support.
4. Poor Time Management in the Exam
Mistake: Spending too long on one question and rushing others.
Solution: Practise timed questions, learn to move on when stuck, and return later if possible.
5. Misreading the Question
Mistake: Writing the wrong answer because the question wasn’t fully understood.
Solution: Train to read each question carefully and underline key words. Our tutors emphasise this technique in every lesson.
6. Writing Too Much or Too Little
Mistake: Waffling in essays or giving incomplete answers in maths/science.
Solution: Teach concise, structured responses. In exams, quality counts more than length.
7. Failing to Show Working in Maths & Science
Mistake: Giving only the final answer and missing out on method marks.
Solution: Always show steps. Examiners often give marks even if the final answer is wrong.
8. Overlooking Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar
Mistake: Losing easy marks in English due to careless mistakes.
Solution: Leave a few minutes at the end to check spelling and grammar.
9. Forgetting to Rest
Mistake: Studying late into the night before exams.
Solution: Sleep and rest improve memory recall. A tired brain cannot perform at its best.
10. Not Asking for Help
Mistake: Struggling alone instead of seeking guidance.
Solution: Encourage students to ask teachers, parents, or tutors when stuck. At Edurium, our expert tutors provide one-to-one and small group support to ensure no student is left behind.
