It’s that time of the year: FYP oral exams season. The time of the year where you realize exactly how much content you’ve been expected to retain over the past three months. We’ve all been there. To help you survive the next week, I’ve compiled a list of strategies and tips I used to survive both of my oral exams. So, if you’re currently scrambling to memorize the circles of hell, trying to figure out Augustine’s pear tree or attempting to logically describe the allegory of the cave, this is for you.
1. Talk it out.
It’s an oral exam. Key word: oral. The best way to study is to talk. A lot. You can debate with your classmates, try to explain concepts to your friends or even just talk to yourself in the shower. My point is, talk about these readings as much as possible. The more comfortable you feel talking in a casual setting about these themes and concepts, the easier it will be in the exam room.
2. It’s okay to ask for help from your peers. It actually helps both of you.
For my spring oral exams, I learned Hegel’s theories on history and freedom from a classmate over a bagel in the dining hall. Two days later Tim Clarke asked me to explain those exact same theories. We both ended up doing very well. He was able to practice his active recall on the subject and I was able to understand a hard concept. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and there is absolutely no shame in asking for help. This isn’t a competition, so don’t act like it is. Help each other out.
3. Sparksnotes is your best friend.
No one has time to reread all the readings, but you have to know the main concepts. It’s tedious, but reading summaries or watching videos about the readings is necessary.
4. Don’t be afraid to skip a question.
I know some people think skipping a question is the cardinal sin of FYP, but it’s better to spend your time on a topic or reading that you actually know. And trust me, the examiners will sniff your bullshit out from a mile away.
5. Make a ridiculous amount of inappropriate jokes about the word “oral” while studying.
I mean, come on, it’s right there. But seriously, don’t put an insane amount of pressure on this exam. It isn’t life or death, I promise. Take some breaks, make some jokes. A laugh or two won’t destroy your GPA.
6. Stay calm.
In the exam room, you have to trust yourself and trust the information that you have. You can’t control the questions given to you, but you can control your reactions. It’s okay to take a moment to breathe and gather your thoughts before answering a question. It’s better to form a coherent and thoughtful answer than scrambling mid-answer because you forgot the question (happens to the best of us).
7. Dress to impress.
After the week you just spent cramming, putting an outfit together is the probably last thing on your mind. But remember, this is an interview. It is my firm belief that if you look good, you’ll feel more confident, and you will come off more confident to your examiners. So throw on your favourite outfit, put a smile on your face and just relax. You’ve got this.
