In 2012, I embarked on my first attempt at the JAMB examination, with hopes of gaining admission to study Medicine and Surgery.
Little did I know that this journey would be longer than expected, as I ended up sitting for the UTME exam four more times.
Failing an exam multiple times is undoubtedly a challenging experience.
However, through these years of non-success, I gained valuable insights that can help Nigerian students pass their JAMB examinations with flying colors.
List JAMB Mistakes to Avoid
In this blog post, I will share my personal experience of writing the JAMB exam five times and the lessons I learned along the way.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to leave a comment, and I will do my best to assist you.
Table of Contents
- Lack of Exam Preparation
- Not Studying With the JAMB Syllabus
- Cramming JAMB Past Questions
- Not Studying With the Recommended Textbooks
- Wrong Choice of Institution
- Fear of Failure
Mistake No 1
Lack of Exam Preparation Preparing adequately for the JAMB exam is crucial for success. It goes beyond simply reading textbooks every day.
Having a study strategy, such as creating a personal reading timetable and obtaining the recommended textbooks, is essential.
In my case, I made the mistake of only reading without a concrete action plan, and I did not set a target score for myself.
Starting preparations early is also vital, as late preparation often leads to failure.
However, if you find yourself starting late, don’t lose hope. Give it your best and remain optimistic.
Mistake No 2
Not Studying With the JAMB Syllabus The JAMB syllabus provides a comprehensive list of topics and points you need to know for the examination.
Studying with the syllabus is imperative for achieving a high score in the UTME exams.
The syllabus serves as a guide, outlining what you need to focus on during your preparation. Neglecting to study according to the syllabus can put you at a disadvantage.
Mistake No 3
Cramming JAMB Past Questions Cramming past questions is a common reason why students fail the JAMB examination.
While it may seem like a shortcut, it is an ineffective studying technique, particularly for the UTME exams.
Instead, it is crucial to understand the reasoning behind each question’s answer. If you encounter a question from a past exam, take the time to refer back to your textbook and comprehend the underlying concepts.
Textbooks that provide answers at the end of each topic can be particularly helpful in this regard.
Mistake No 4
Not Studying With the Recommended Textbooks The JAMB-recommended textbooks are a valuable resource that every student should acquire.
JAMB selects questions directly from these textbooks, making them essential for exam preparation.
All the topics outlined in the syllabus are covered in these textbooks. Purchasing them will greatly enhance your chances of success in the exam.
Mistake No 5
Wrong Choice of Institution One common mistake students make is applying to competitive universities or courses with low JAMB scores.
It is essential to base your choice of institution on your exam performance rather than solely on your desires.
For example, a student with a JAMB score of 260 should consider applying to a State University where they have a better chance of gaining admission to their desired program, such as MBBS (Medicine and Surgery).
If you need advice on your JAMB score and choice of institution, feel free to ask in the comments, and I’ll be glad to assist you.
Mistake No 6
Fear of Failure Fear of failure is a significant obstacle that prevents many students from succeeding in the JAMB examination.
Lack of self-belief and confidence in one’s academic abilities can be detrimental. However, when you have adequately prepared for the exam, belief in yourself becomes easier to achieve.
Don’t hesitate to share your fears about the JAMB exam in the comments, and I’ll be here to help you overcome them.
FAQs
Why do many candidates fail the JAMB exam multiple times?
Many candidates fail the JAMB exam repeatedly due to a combination of poor preparation, lack of understanding of the exam format, and neglect of key subjects. Some students also fail to manage time well during the exam, while others rely too heavily on last-minute “cramming” or even exam malpractice, which often backfires.
What are common mistakes students make during the JAMB exam?
Some common mistakes include:
- Skipping the JAMB syllabus: Not studying according to the JAMB syllabus means students miss out on key topics that are likely to appear in the exam.
- Ignoring past questions: Failure to practice past JAMB questions makes students unfamiliar with the question style.
- Poor time management: Many students spend too much time on difficult questions, leaving others unanswered.
- Guessing without logic: Randomly guessing answers without a strategic approach can lower overall scores.
How can I avoid making the same mistakes and pass JAMB successfully?
To avoid repeating past mistakes, follow these tips:
- Study the JAMB syllabus closely and cover all key topics.
- Practice past JAMB questions regularly to get familiar with the format and the types of questions asked.
- Develop time management skills by taking timed practice tests.
- Attend tutorials or study groups if you’re struggling with certain subjects, and focus on weak areas early.
Conclusion
My journey with JAMB involved facing failure multiple times, but it also taught me valuable lessons.
By avoiding the mistakes I made, such as inadequate preparation, not studying with the syllabus, cramming past questions, neglecting recommended textbooks, making inappropriate institution choices, and succumbing to fear, you can greatly increase your chances of success in the JAMB examination.
Remember, with the right approach and determination, you can pass your JAMB exams with flying colors.
