Do you have a long exam lasting more than 3 hours? Then it’s not just any exam. Prepare properly to pass with the practical tips I share in this article.

Some of the key tips for passing a long college exam include not attending classes on the same day, bringing something to drink during the test, and, if possible, something to eat as well. Work through each question step by step and take breaks to recharge your energy.

Keep reading, and I’ll show you how to succeed in these real academic marathons.

Exams Longer Than 3 Hours!

In most cases, college exams typically last about two hours. However, there are instances where students are allowed to work for three or even four hours. Check out the article What Is a College Exam Like?

As you can imagine, the length of the exam is directly related to the number of topics covered. This means that instead of being a sprint, the exam feels more like a marathon.

Let’s explore what you can do to successfully pass these long exams.

Tips to Pass a College Exam Lasting More Than 3 Hours

1. Don’t Take Any Other Classes on the Same Day

The best thing you can do is avoid attending another class on the same day as your exam. If you work, take the day off.

Several hours of an exam mean a high energy drain, so it’s best to arrive in the best possible condition. If you face the test tired, you’ll run out of energy in two hours.

2. Bring something to drink

Just like marathon runners, you’ll need to drink water during the race. Staying hydrated at all times is essential.

In most universities and colleges, no one will question you for having a water bottle on your desk. However, it’s a good idea to check with your professors beforehand, just in case.

3. Bring something to eat

Of course, you’re not going to eat a fast food meal from your favorite restaurant in the middle of the exam, but maybe you can bring a cereal bar or some candy.

Again, it’s a good idea to ask your professors beforehand if it’s allowed to have any kind of food in the classroom.

4. Move forward step by step

If you’re given three or four hours to take a long exam, it’s because the exam is extensive.

When they give you the sheet, and you read all the questions, it might seem like too much and overwhelm you. But don’t worry.

You need to answer bit by bit, forgetting, in a way, about the rest. It may happen that you spend an hour and a half solving just one question, but don’t panic, because there’s still plenty of time to tackle the rest.

5. Take breaks

Yes, put your pencils down and set them aside. Gather the exam papers and set them apart as well. Take the opportunity to drink some water and have a snack, if allowed. Look up and stretch your neck. The last part is very important.

The ideal is to take a break of no more than five minutes in the middle of the exam, always after finishing a question. Never interrupt your work while you’re in the middle of solving something.

Practical tips that any student can implement

As you’ve seen, these tips are simple and general. They will help you no matter what subject you’re studying.

I hope they are very useful not only to help you pass your exam but also to ensure you have a pleasant experience while taking it.

Remember, just as there are long exams, there are also short ones. I recommend the article Running Out of Time During the Exam? These 7 Tips Will Save You.

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