Introduction
University entrance exams are a critical milestone in every student’s academic journey. Whether you're aiming for a public university in Ghana, applying to international institutions, or trying to secure scholarships, your entrance exam performance often determines your future.
From the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to entrance assessments for medical, engineering, or law programs, proper preparation is essential. In this article, you’ll learn everything you need to know about preparing for university entrance exams—from crafting an effective study plan to managing stress on the exam day.
1. Understand the Exam Format and Requirements
Before diving into preparation, get clear on:
- What kind of entrance exam are you writing (e.g., WASSCE, SAT, IELTS, KNUST entrance test, etc)
- Subjects tested
- Exam format (multiple choice, essay, practical, oral)
- Time duration and scoring
- Minimum pass marks or cut-off points
- Any additional requirements, like interviews or aptitude tests
📌 Tip: Visit the official website of the university or examination body (e.g., WAEC, UG, UCC, KNUST) for updated syllabi and rules.
2. Start Early—Don’t Cram
The best time to prepare for university exams is months ahead, not weeks before. Early preparation allows:
- Better understanding of concepts
- Time for revision and practice
- Less pressure and anxiety
🗓️ Create a study calendar that maps out topics to cover weekly. Aim for 1–2 subjects per day.
3. Gather the Right Study Materials
Studying with the wrong materials is like using the wrong map for a journey. Gather:
- Updated syllabi from WAEC, SAT, or a relevant university
- Textbooks recommended by your school
- Past questions and marking schemes
- Study guides or exam prep books
- Lecture notes and tutorials
🔍 Use WAEC past questions, SAT prep books (like Barron’s or College Board materials), and university-specific prep booklets if available.
4. Create a Study Plan That Works
A well-structured study timetable helps you stay organised and on track.
What to Include in Your Plan:
- Daily time slots for each subject or topic
- Breaks for rest, meals, and exercise
- Mock test days
- Revisions before major topics
Example Weekly Breakdown:
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | English Grammar | Math Algebra | Read a novel |
| Tuesday | Physics Theory | Biology Diagrams | Solve Past Papers |
| Wednesday | Chemistry | English Essay | Revise Science Notes |
| ... | ... | ... | ... |
5. Practice Past Questions Religiously
Past papers are goldmines. They show:
- The pattern of questions
- Frequently tested topics
- Time management skills
🎯 Aim to solve at least 3–5 past papers in each subject before your actual exam.
📌 Tip: Time yourself like a real exam—no breaks, no peeking at answers.
6. Join Study Groups or Online Forums
Collaborative learning helps you:
- Understand difficult topics
- Stay motivated
- Learn new approaches to problem-solving
Popular Study Communities:
- WhatsApp/Telegram groups for SHS leavers
- Facebook groups (e.g., “WASSCE & BECE Past Questions Discussion”)
- Campus-based tutorial sessions
🧠 Teaching others helps reinforce your own knowledge.
7. Work on Your Weak Subjects Early
Many students focus only on their strong subjects and delay difficult ones. That’s risky.
- Spend extra time on your weakest subjects
- Use YouTube tutorials or hire a tutor
- Practice those topics more often
Useful YouTube Channels:
- Khan Academy (Maths, Science)
- Akadom Tutorials Ghana
- WASSCE Online
- CrashCourse (History, Biology, etc.)
8. Improve Your Writing and Speed
Many entrance exams involve essays or short-answer questions. To improve:
- Practice writing timed essays
- Focus on spelling, grammar, and clear handwriting
- Read model essays and analyse their structure
🖋️ If applying to competitive programs like Law, Medicine, or Journalism, essay writing is crucial.
9. Manage Stress and Stay Healthy
Stress can negatively impact performance. To manage it:
- Get 6–8 hours of sleep
- Eat balanced meals (especially brain foods like nuts, eggs, fruits)
- Exercise lightly (e.g., morning walks, stretches)
- Practice deep breathing or meditation
🎧 You can also listen to instrumental music to improve focus.
10. Take Mock Exams
A mock exam simulates the real test environment. It helps you:
- Build exam confidence
- Learn to manage time effectively
- Identify areas for improvement
Set your own mock exam days and have a friend or tutor mark them.
11. Know the Exam Day Rules
Don’t let avoidable mistakes ruin your hard work. Learn:
- What to bring (ID card, pens, calculator, water)
- What not to bring (phones, notes, smartwatches)
- The reporting time (be early!)
- Dress code (if any)
📄 Print your exam slip or admission notice early and double-check the venue.
12. Prepare for the Interview (If Required)
Some universities require post-exam interviews, especially for scholarships, medical, or law programs.
Common Interview Questions:
- Why do you want to study this program?
- What are your career goals?
- Tell us about a challenge you overcame.
- Current affairs or subject-based questions
👔 Dress neatly, be confident, and speak clearly.
13. Apply to Multiple Schools
Don’t rely on just one university. Apply to 2–3 schools to increase your chances.
- Consider both public and private universities
- Apply early to secure a spot
- Look for schools offering entrance-based scholarships
14. Use Online Platforms for Supplementary Learning
Use e-learning sites to prepare smarter.
Platforms to Explore:
- Passco Ghana: WASSCE past questions
- WASSCE Assistance Telegram groups
- Coursera or edX for SAT/IELTS prep
- Quizlet for flashcards and revision
15. Avoid Exam Malpractice at All Costs
The consequences of cheating can be severe:
- Disqualification
- Blacklisting by WAEC or universities
- Future academic bans
Focus on hard work and integrity.
🛑 Remember, exam results last a lifetime. Cheating stains your academic reputation forever.
Bonus Tips for Parents & Guardians
- Provide emotional and financial support
- Avoid putting too much pressure on your child
- Create a quiet and safe learning environment at home
- Celebrate small academic milestones to keep them motivated
Final Week Before the Exam: What to Do
- Reduce study hours—focus on light revision
- Avoid learning new topics—just revise
- Sleep early and stay hydrated
- Pack your exam materials the day before
Exam Day Tips
- Wake up early and eat a light breakfast
- Arrive at the venue at least 1 hour early
- Stay calm, breathe deeply
- Read the instructions before answering
- If stuck, move on and come back later
- Review your answers if time permits
Conclusion
Preparing for university entrance exams is not about last-minute studying—it’s about strategic, consistent effort over time. From understanding the syllabus and practising past papers to managing your time, health, and stress, every step matters.
Whether you’re writing WASSCE, an aptitude test, SAT, or university-specific entrance exams, the same rules apply: start early, study smart, and stay focused. The dream of higher education is within reach—plan right, and you’ll make it a reality.
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