To get admission into any higher institution in Nigeria, you need to pass your JAMB exam.
Many higher institution requires you to get at least an average score in JAMB before you will be offered admission.
While that sounds great, the record shows that many students fail JAMB every year.
This happens for many reasons, and one of them is that many candidates don’t know the right strategies to use and read for the JAMB exam.
If you are interested in learning the right way to read for JAMB, we will be sharing them here, these strategies have worked for many students and we are sure they will work for you.
How to read for JAMB exam
To perfectly read for JAMB, you should:
1: Create a realistic study timetable
A study timetable helps you manage your time well. With it, you will cover all subjects before the exam.
How to do it:
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- List all four JAMB subjects you registered for.
- Allocate time to each subject every day.
- Spend more time on difficult subjects.
For example: If you find Mathematics hard, study it for two hours and English for one hour.
With your timetable, you will leave no topic or subject out.
2. Understand the JAMB Syllabus
The JAMB syllabus shows all the topics you need to study for each subject.
To prepare well, you should download the JAMB syllabus from the official website or get it from study guides.
On the syllabus, highlight topics you have covered and those you haven’t.
For example, if Biology has 50 topics, tick the ones you have read and focus on the rest.
Do not read outside the syllabus, rather use the syllabus and focus only on what JAMB will set.
3. Study smart, not just hard
Reading for long hours does not always mean you will understand better. What matters is understanding what you read.
To read and understand better, you should break big topics into small parts, use short notes to summarize what you read and focus on understanding, not cramming.
Instead of cramming 20 formulas in Physics, understand how each formula works.
When you understand something, you remember it better and can answer questions about it correctly.
4. Use JAMB past questions
JAMB often repeats questions or follows the same pattern every year. Past questions help you know what to expect.
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How to use it:
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- Solve past questions for the last 10 years.
- Time yourself to build speed and accuracy.
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For instance, if you notice questions about “Osmosis” keep repeating in Biology, study that topic well.
Practising past questions will help you know the type of questions JAMB asks.
5. Read in a quiet and comfortable environment
The environment where you study affects how well you understand.
You should find a quiet place with good lighting to read. In addition, avoid reading on the bed to prevent sleeping.
If reading in your room makes you sleepy, try reading in the library or a study room.
A quiet place helps you focus and avoid distractions.
6. Take short breaks while studying
Studying for hours without resting makes your brain tired. Short breaks help you stay fresh and focused.
Study for 25-30 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After studying for 2 hours, rest for 20 minutes.
For instance, read a topic in Chemistry, take a short walk, and then continue with the next topic.
Short breaks prevent burnout and help your brain absorb information better.
7. Study with friends or join study groups
Studying alone can get boring. Study groups help you learn from others.
You should join a group with serious and focused students. In the group, you people should discuss topics and ask each other questions.
If you don’t understand a topic in Economics, someone in the group can explain it.
When you discuss with others, you understand better and learn faster.
8. Use helpful study materials
Textbooks, videos, and apps make studying easier and more interesting.
To get a high score in JAMB, you should study JAMB-recommended textbooks for each subject.
In addition, watch educational videos on YouTube or use study apps.
Channels like “Khan Academy” or “Wefix Tutorials” explain complex topics in simple ways.
The good thing about using different materials to study is that it helps you understand things better because you see things in different ways.
9. Take mock exams
A mock exam is like practising for a real exam. It helps you know how prepared you are.
Take mock exams from JAMB or other study platforms. During the mock exam, treat it like the real exam by timing yourself.
If you score 250 in the mock exam, you can know which subjects need improvement.
A mock exam will help you reduce exam anxiety and show you the areas you need to work on.
10. Avoid procrastination
Procrastination means delaying your study time. If you keep postponing reading, you will run out of time.
Set daily goals and follow them. In addition, start with the easiest topic to build momentum.
Instead of saying “I will start tomorrow,” start reading one topic today. Starting early gives you enough time to cover everything and avoid rushing.
11. Test yourself regularly
Testing yourself shows how much you have learned and what you still need to improve. After reading a topic, close your book and try to explain it to yourself.
Write down questions and answer them without checking your notes. After reading “Photosynthesis” in Biology, try to write down what you remember.
If you can explain something without checking your notes, it means you understand it.
12. Stay healthy and positive
Your health affects your performance. If you are tired or sick, you won’t be able to study well.
What to do:
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- Eat healthy food, exercise, and get enough sleep.
- Believe in yourself and avoid negative thoughts.
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For example, if you feel stressed, take a walk or do light exercise to relax your mind. A healthy body and mind help you focus better when studying.
How to stay motivated while reading for JAMB
If you want to succeed, then you must stay motivated throughout the time you are preparing for your JAMB exam.
Here’s how:
- Set clear goals: Write down the score you want and visualize achieving it.
- Reward yourself: Take short breaks or reward yourself after hitting study milestones.
- Join study groups: Studying with others will help you stay consistent.
- Be positive: Self-doubt kills motivation. Believe you can do it because you truly can.
Conclusively, JAMB is not about reading everything but reading smartly. Focus on the syllabus, and study with past questions. You will perform well in the exam.