If you want to get admission into most higher institutions in Nigeria, you must pass your post-UTME exam.
You can’t do without it, while your JAMB score sets the foundation, your post-UTME is also important.
To cut it short, no matter what you score in JAMB, if your post-UTME isn’t looking good, you won’t get admission.
This is why passing your post-UTME is extremely important. Many students find the exam hard however, if you follow the tips below, you will easily pass your post-UMTE exam.
How can I pass my post-UTME exam?
To pass your pos-UTME exam, first, you must understand the exam format.
1. Understand the exam format of your school
Each university has a unique format for its post-UTME exam.
In some schools, students are tested with multiple-choice questions, while others include essay writing or a mix of both.
Additionally, some schools test only English and Mathematics, while others set questions from all the subjects related to your course of study.
You should know which one your chosen school does and prepare based on that.
How to find out the format your school will use:
- Check the school’s post-UTME guidelines
- Go to the school’s website and read about their post-UTME.
- You can also ask students who have written post-UTME in the school before.
When you know the format your chosen school uses, you will know how to prepare.
2. Study past questions thoroughly
The thing is, most schools repeat questions. This means that if you prepare using past questions, you will likely meet many questions that you are familiar with in one form or another.
How to use past questions effectively:
- You can buy or download your chosen school’s post-UTME past questions and answers.
- Study every part of the past questions and take note of common questions.
- Solve past questions under timed conditions.
- After answering, go back to the question you got wrong.
When you prepare with past questions, you will increase your chances because you will be familiar with the exam pattern and questions.
3. Study the right textbooks and materials
If you want to get it right in your post-UTME, you must focus on the right textbooks, reading the wrong ones will waste your time and make you look unprepared for the test.
How to choose the right study materials:
- You should use JAMB-recommended textbooks since many post-UTME questions are based on JAMB topics.
- Use online resources like YouTube tutorials, educational blogs, and study apps to learn better.
With the right materials, you will be better prepared for your post-UTME.
4. Master your JAMB topics
Since most schools set their post-UTME questions from the JAMB syllabus, it is a good idea that you master most JAMB topics.
It will give you a big advantage.
How to revise JAMB topics for post-UTME:
- When you start preparing for post-UTME, get and go through all your JAMB notes and textbooks again.
- You should also solve JAMB’s past questions to refresh your knowledge.
- If you struggled with any topic in JAMB, go back to it and understand it better.
The more you understand your JAMB topics, the better and easier it will be for you to pass post-UTME.
5. Have a study timetable
I know many of us overlook the idea of having a study timetable but it helps a lot. I am a witness.
A well-structured study timetable helps you cover all subjects before the exam.
Without a timetable, you will focus too much on one subject and neglect others whereas they are all important.
How to create an effective study timetable:
- Make a list of all the subjects and topics you need to cover.
- Share your time with each subject or topic.
- Set daily or weekly study goals and track your progress.
- Stick to your schedule and avoid distractions.
When you have a good study timetable, it will help you manage your time very well.
In addition, you can track your study progress with it.
6. Work on your speed and accuracy
Post-UTME is time-limited, meaning you must answer questions quickly and correctly.
If you spend too much time on one question, you will not finish the exam.
How to improve your speed and accuracy:
- Use a stopwatch and solve past questions.
- When solving questions, skip difficult questions and come back to them later if you still have time.
- You also need to improve your mental calculations in Mathematics to save time.
When you practice under timed conditions, you will train your brain to think fast and answer questions under pressure.
7. Take mock tests
Mock tests help you test your readiness for the actual exam.
During a mock test, you will practice under exam conditions and identify areas where you need to improve before the actual exam.
How to take mock tests effectively:
- You can use online post-UTME practice apps or websites that simulate the real exam.
- Set your timer and follow it without distractions.
- From your performance, analyze your results, identify weak areas, and work on them.
A mock post-UTME exam will help you get the feel of a real exam. With it, you can predict how you will perform in the actual exam.
8. Focus on your strengths and weaknesses
Every student has strong and weak subjects. Focusing on both will help you maximize your score.
How to balance strengths and weaknesses:
- Spend extra time improving your weak subjects or topics.
- Use different learning methods like videos, diagrams, or group discussions for tough topics.
- Strengthen your strong subjects. You will gain extra marks from them.
If you can balance your strengths and weaknesses, you will not lose easy marks due to poor preparation.
9. Avoid rote memorization – understand concepts
Don’t be like many students who try to cram answers without understanding them.
Cramming is risky because questions can be twisted or asked in different ways.
How to understand concepts instead of memorizing:
- Learn the “why” behind every answer.
- Use real-life examples to understand difficult topics.
- Discuss with friends or tutors to explain concepts in your own words.
It is better to understand concepts deeply than cramming them. It helps you answer questions correctly, even if they are reworded.
10. Take care of your health and well-being
Your brain works best when you are healthy. Poor health will affect your concentration and performance on exam day.
How to stay healthy while preparing for post-UTME:
- Get enough sleep (at least 6-8 hours) every night.
- Eat balanced meals rich in protein, vitamins, and brain-boosting foods like nuts and fish.
- Take breaks while studying to prevent burnout.
Taking care of yourself physically and mentally will keep you in the best shape for the exam.
While you do all of the above, you should also keep a positive mindset.
Many students fail not because they lack knowledge but because they panic or doubt themselves.
When you believe in yourself, you approach the exam with a clear mind and better focus.
If you want to pass your post-UTME, you must prepare very well.
Study past questions and understand the exam format. Read your JAMB textbooks thoroughly and stay healthy.