Exam Day – Physics

So you have done your revision, constructed your summary sheet(s) and completed as many practice exams as possible.  On top of this you have checked your VCAA Exam Navigator to check what time the exam starts and what materials are permitted into the exam room.  You have made sure that your one scientific calculator is an approved model and has fully charged batteries for the day of the exam.  You have double checked to make sure you have a pencil for your multiple choice section of the exam, an eraser, a sharpener, a highlighter and also a ruler.

The day of your Physics exam has finally arrived, the day you have highlighted on your calendar is here.  So consider the following tips:

Before the exam

1. Be sure to have eaten lunch before the exam.
2. Be sure to be fully hydrated before the exam.
3. Take stock of your equipment one last time.
4. Get to the exam venue at least 30 minutes before the commencement of the exam.
5. Be familiar with the designated seating plan.

During the exam

1. Once seated in the exam room, take a deep breath and have confidence that you are fully prepared for this exam.
2. Do not waste your 15-minute reading time. Have a plan of how to use this time best.  Perhaps mentally work through the Multiple Choice section during this time.
3. You have exactly 150 minutes to gain a maximum of 130 marks (approximately 1 minute per mark). So don’t get stuck on a difficult question for too long.  Leave it, get your easy marks, and return to difficult questions at the end of the exam.
4. Be aware that VCAA will set some hard questions. They need to separate the A+ grades from the A grades.  Keep your cool and know all questions are relevant to the topics we have studied and that most students will find such questions challenging.
5. Read each question carefully – what does the question ask you to do for full marks?
6. Use dot points to answer descriptive questions and refer to diagrams and/or formulas when asked.
7. Show all workings out for the numerical questions.
8. Check you have got the correct unit of measurement as shown in the answer box provided.
9. At the end of the exam be sure to check that all questions have been answered.

After the exam

1. Relax in the knowledge that you have done your very best.

Whether the exam is perceived as hard or easy, it is the same for all VCE Units 3 & 4 Physics students across the state.  Do your very best and try to earn as many marks as possible.

There is no such thing as luck in the exam.  So rather than wishing you good luck, my hope for you is that you get the marks your truly deserve.