4 top tips to fight exam procrastination

Learn how to get focused... right after you read this article!

This article was first published in June 2020.

Keep getting distracted?

So here you are, sitting down with your laptop and textbooks, full of determination and caffeine… and in five hours’ time, your room has never been cleaner, you’ve binged some Netflix, and now you’re rot scrolling through TikTok.

You’re definitely not alone. Around 95% of students struggle with procrastination to some degree, and it’s common among both secondary school and university students.

The good news? You can tackle procrastination head-on. Here’s how:

1. Set bite-sized goals

Feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of work? Take a breath and break it down. Give yourself clear, achievable tasks, like “I’ll study maths for 45 minutes” or “I’ll finish re-reading Chapter 9.” Stick to one task at a time, and reward yourself with a break, a snack, or ten minutes on your phone after each one. Small wins can keep you moving forward!

2. Find your prime time

Everyone has a time of day when they’re most focused. Maybe you’re a morning person, a night owl, or somewhere in between. Figure out when your mind is sharpest, and motivation is strongest and schedule your hardest subjects for those hours. Tackle your toughest task first – it’ll feel great knowing the easier stuff is up next

3. Remove temptation

Let’s face it: phones, notifications, and messages are focus-killers. Try putting your phone on airplane mode and out of reach so you’re not tempted to check it. Let your family and friends know you’re in study mode and could use a distraction-free zone (a friendly way of saying, “Leave me alone!”).

4. Recognise the importance of your exams

Remind yourself that your GCSEs, A-Levels, or any other exams you might be taking are stepping stones to future opportunities. Without these qualifications, it can impact your future success and could limit what options are available to you when you leave school. Sacrificing some time and comfort now will pay off massively for your future.

5. Look after yourself

If you find that you’re struggling with procrastination and these tips aren’t helping, understanding the root cause as to why you’re putting it off is important. Procrastination can sometimes be linked to mental health challenges or learning differences, such as dyslexia. Don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it – your well-being should always come first. Remember, you can only do your best work when you maintain a healthy balance between study and self-care.

If you are already an apprentice, QA offers support for all apprentices. Reach out to your DLC or the safeguarding team for more information.