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.
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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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.
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.