The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam is a critical step for anyone seeking admission into higher education in Nigeria.
Whether you’re a first-time candidate or retaking the exam, it’s important to understand that preparation and strategy play a significant role in achieving success.
To help you perform at your best, this article outlines common mistakes that many JAMB candidates make and provides insights on how to avoid them.
By steering clear of these pitfalls, you can maximize your chances of securing admission into your desired university.
Not Understanding the JAMB Syllabus
One of the most common mistakes candidates make is neglecting to study the official JAMB syllabus.
The syllabus is the foundation of your study plan and provides a clear roadmap of what you need to focus on.
Without it, your preparation can become scattered and ineffective.
Be sure to carefully go through the syllabus and identify key topics in each subject.
Prioritize these topics and allocate enough time for their study.
This way, you’ll cover all the essential areas and increase your chances of scoring well in the exam.
Lack of Time Management During the Exam
Many candidates fail to manage their time effectively during the exam.
JAMB gives you a limited amount of time to answer a set number of questions, which means you need to pace yourself to ensure you can complete the entire paper.
It’s important to practice with timed mock exams so that you can become accustomed to the time constraints.
While it’s tempting to dwell on difficult questions, spending too much time on one can cost you valuable minutes.
Instead, aim to move on to other questions and return to the challenging ones later.
Failure to Practice Previous Year Questions
One of the best ways to prepare for JAMB is by practicing previous years’ questions.
JAMB often repeats questions or uses similar formats, so being familiar with past exam papers gives you an advantage.
You will get a sense of the question types, the level of difficulty, and the areas where you need to focus more attention.
When you practice consistently, you not only become familiar with the question patterns but also build your confidence and reduce exam anxiety.
Overlooking the JAMB CBT Format
JAMB now conducts its exams through Computer-Based Testing (CBT).
A mistake many candidates make is not familiarizing themselves with this format before the exam day.
Unlike the traditional pen-and-paper method, CBT requires you to navigate a computer interface.
Practice using CBT simulations and familiarize yourself with the format, including how to select answers, navigate between questions, and review your responses.
This will ensure you’re comfortable and prepared on exam day.
Not Reading the Instructions Carefully
Another mistake that many candidates make is not thoroughly reading the instructions before answering questions.
Each section of the JAMB exam has specific guidelines, such as how to select the correct answers, whether to use a pen or pencil, and how to mark your answers.
Ignoring these instructions can lead to avoidable errors, so always read them carefully before you start.
This may seem like a small detail, but it could be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful attempt.
Choosing the Wrong Subject Combinations
Choosing the right subjects for your JAMB exam is crucial.
Many candidates make the mistake of selecting subject combinations that don’t align with their course of study or career goals.
Make sure to review the subject requirements for the course you intend to study at your preferred institution.
Taking subjects that are irrelevant to your chosen field of study can lower your chances of gaining admission.
Additionally, double-check with the JAMB brochure or your school’s guidelines to ensure your combination is acceptable.
Underestimating the Importance of Revision
Finally, one of the biggest mistakes candidates make is underestimating the importance of regular revision.
Studying consistently without reviewing your progress is a recipe for failure.
The knowledge you acquire over time may start to fade, so it’s important to review periodically to reinforce your understanding.
Set aside dedicated time each week to revise and test your knowledge, and don’t wait until the last minute to cram.
Effective revision is key to ensuring you retain what you’ve learned and can apply it on exam day.