Common Mistakes Examinees Make – And How to Avoid Them

No matter how prepared you feel, exam day can still bring surprises — and unfortunately, mistakes. Whether it’s the Civil Service Exam, Board Exam, or college entrance test, many examinees fall into avoidable traps that cost them valuable points.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes examinees make and how you can avoid them to improve your chances of passing.

---

❌ Mistake #1: Not Reading the Instructions Carefully

🔍 Why it’s a problem:

Many students rush into answering the test without reading the directions, leading to misinterpretation of what’s being asked.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Take a few seconds to read all instructions before answering.
• Pay attention to words like "choose the BEST answer" or "EXCEPT."
• Don’t assume all sections follow the same format.

---

❌ Mistake #2: Cramming the Night Before

🔍 Why it’s a problem:

Last-minute studying can overwhelm your brain, leaving you tired and anxious. It reduces focus and memory retention on exam day.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Review using a consistent schedule (1–2 hours daily weeks before the test).
• Use spaced repetition, mock exams, and active recall.
• The night before the exam, rest your mind instead of overloading it.

---

❌ Mistake #3: Leaving Questions Blank

🔍 Why it’s a problem:

Most multiple-choice exams do not penalize wrong answers, so leaving an item blank is missing a chance to score.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Always make a best guess if you're unsure.
• Eliminate clearly wrong choices first.
• Come back to skipped questions before time runs out.

---

❌ Mistake #4: Mismanaging Time

🔍 Why it’s a problem:

Spending too much time on one difficult item can cause you to miss easier questions later.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Use a watch or timer to monitor your pace.
• Spend no more than 1 minute per item on average.
• Mark difficult questions and return to them later if time permits.

---

❌ Mistake #5: Ignoring Practice Tests

🔍 Why it’s a problem:

Reading reviewers isn’t enough. Without practice, you won’t be ready for the actual exam pressure and question format.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Take timed mock exams weekly.
• Use tools like brevph’s Practice and Mock Exam features.
• Review your mistakes and understand why you got them wrong.

---

❌ Mistake #6: Not Bringing the Complete Exam Day Requirements

🔍 Why it’s a problem:

Forgetting a valid ID, exam permit, or other requirements can prevent you from entering the exam room.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Prepare all exam day materials a day before.
• Bring extra pens, pencils, erasers, and your valid ID.
• Double-check the checklist from the testing agency (e.g., CSC, PRC, etc.).

---

❌ Mistake #7: Not Taking Care of Physical and Mental Health

🔍 Why it’s a problem:

Exhaustion, anxiety, or hunger can reduce focus and decision-making ability during the exam.

✅ How to avoid it:

• Sleep at least 7–8 hours before the test.
• Eat a healthy, light meal.
• Practice calming techniques like deep breathing to stay composed.

---

🧠 Bonus Tip: Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Each examinee has their own pace. Panicking because others are flipping pages faster than you can throw off your focus.

Stay calm, stick to your strategy, and trust your preparation.

---

Final Thoughts

Mistakes are normal — but many can be avoided with the right mindset and habits. Use this list as a checklist during your review and before the exam day to make sure you're not just studying hard, but studying smart.

📚 Review wisely. Prepare early. Succeed with confidence — with brevph at your side.

---