Now that you have access to the right tools, let’s look at how to use them smartly.

1. Start Early & Schedule Paper Practice

Don’t wait until two weeks before the exam. Start practicing past papers at least 3–6 months in advance.

Tip:
Set a weekly goal, like doing one Paper 1, one Paper 2, and one Paper 3 each week.

2. Simulate Exam Conditions

Create a quiet space, use a timer, and avoid any distractions. Practicing under real exam-like conditions helps reduce anxiety and builds confidence.

Tip:
Use a timer app or stopwatch to match actual paper timings:

• Paper 1: 1 hour

• Paper 2: 2.25 hours

• Paper 3: 1.25 hours

3. Use Mark Schemes Wisely

After finishing a paper, compare your answers to the official mark scheme.

Tip:
Focus on how marks are awarded. Are you including the key terms and calculations they expect? This can improve your ability to gain every possible mark.

4. Learn from Examiner Reports

Examiner reports are goldmines of information. They highlight common student mistakes, and provide insight into what examiners are looking for.

Tip:
Read comments after every paper you complete. Adjust your approach accordingly.

5. Target Weak Areas

Once you’ve practiced several papers, identify where you frequently lose marks. Focus your revision on these weak areas.

Tip:
Keep a “mistake log.” Write down questions you got wrong, why you got them wrong, and how to correct them. Review it weekly.

6. Mix Up Topics

Don’t just focus on one topic at a time. Past papers cover multiple topics per paper, so make sure you get comfortable with topic-switching.

Tip:
Use flashcards or topic-specific quizzes on the side to reinforce understanding between paper sessions.