Excelling in the 2020 JAMB UTME starts in your mind. Even when you have read your textbooks from cover to cover, negative habits like exam anxiety, self-doubt, and sleep deprivation can hurt your performance on exam day. Here are 8 practical tips to get you mentally sharp for the UTME.
1. Learn From Mistakes During Mock Practice
Do not be afraid of getting questions wrong while practicing now—mistakes during practice are valuable feedback showing you what to revise before the real exam. Practice over 60,000 past questions and review detailed explanations on the Mentra JAMB CBT app, available on both Android and iOS.
2. Prioritise 7 to 9 Hours of Sleep
Staying up late every night leaves your brain fatigued and reduces memory retention. It is far better to sleep at a reasonable hour and wake up fresh than to force an extra hour of exhausted reading.
3. Get a Serious Study Partner
Find a focused friend preparing for the same UTME subjects. Quizzing each other and holding one another accountable makes revision faster and more interactive.
4. Exercise Regularly to Reduce Stress
Whether it is a brisk walk, jogging, or stretching, physical activity lowers stress hormones and boosts blood flow to your brain before a study session.
5. Eat Brain-Boosting Snacks and Meals
Fuel your body with nutritious meals and snacks rich in Vitamins E and K (such as nuts, fruits, and leafy greens) that support memory and concentration.
6. Eliminate Phone and Social Media Distractions
Put your phone on silent mode and turn off social media notifications during your study blocks. Since the Mentra CBT app works offline once activated, you can practice past questions with your mobile data turned off.
7. Keep a Positive Mindset
Replace fear with confidence based on your preparation. Visualizing yourself calmly answering your 180 questions reduces panic when you enter the CBT hall.
8. Don't Be Too Hard on Yourself
Perfection does not exist. Focus on doing your absolute best each day rather than worrying over every minor mistake, and you will walk into the exam hall relaxed and ready to win!
Published by Mentra Academic Research
Every study guide, syllabus analysis, and timing breakdown is cross-checked against official examination criteria (JAMB UTME, POST-UTME, and WAEC) by subject matter specialists.
