How can students boost their confidence before writing JAMB to ensure better performance?

Every year, thousands of students eagerly prepare for JAMB, hoping to achieve a high score. Many of these students are naturally smart, boast impressive school grades, and feel confident about their chances. Yet, when the results come out, some are left disappointed.

The truth is, being intelligent isn’t always enough to guarantee JAMB success. Scoring above 300 requires more than just smarts—it demands the right strategy, mindset, and dedication.

Let’s explore some of the common reasons why bright students fail JAMB and what you can do differently to ensure success.

1. Overconfidence and Lack of Serious Preparation

Some students assume that since they’ve always done well in school, JAMB will be a breeze. This confidence often leads to poor preparation. They may:

• Study far less than required

• Ignore recommended textbooks

• Skip practicing past questions

JAMB is not your average school exam. It’s a standardized test, and its questions are structured to challenge your reasoning and time management.

How to Avoid This Mistake: No matter how good your grades are, take your JAMB prep seriously. Create a structured study plan, stick to the official syllabus, and practice past questions. Consistency will help you stay on track.

2. Relying Solely on Secondary School Knowledge

Smart students often assume that what they learned in school will be enough for JAMB. However, the exam covers topics in a more detailed and practical manner.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Use the JAMB syllabus as your study guide. It outlines all the topics you’ll be tested on. Don’t just rely on memory—study comprehensively and fill any knowledge gaps.

3. Poor Time Management During the Exam

JAMB is a Computer-Based Test (CBT) with strict time limits. Many students struggle to finish on time, especially when they spend too much time on challenging questions.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Practice with CBT simulations.

• Prioritize answering easy questions first.

• Skip difficult questions and return to them if time permits.

Practicing under timed conditions will sharpen your time management skills.

4. Ignoring Past Questions and Mock Tests

Some students think reading textbooks alone is enough. However, JAMB has a habit of repeating question patterns. Past questions offer insight into what to expect.

How to Avoid This Mistake: Make past questions an essential part of your study routine. Take mock exams to simulate real test conditions. This will build your confidence and exam-taking skills.

5. Guessing Answers Instead of Reasoning

Students who aren’t well-prepared often resort to random guessing. While JAMB may not apply negative marking, guessing without reasoning lowers your chances of scoring well.

How to Avoid This Mistake: When unsure of an answer, eliminate the obviously wrong options to improve your odds. Studying well will minimize the need to guess in the first place.

6. Poor Exam Day Preparation

Even well-prepared students sometimes fail because they are not mentally or physically ready on exam day. Arriving late, forgetting important documents, or experiencing anxiety can ruin your performance.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

• Print your examination slip ahead of time.

• Visit your exam center in advance to know its location.

• Get a good night’s sleep before the test.

• Stay calm and focused during the exam.

Final Thoughts

Success in JAMB isn’t just about being smart; it’s about preparation, discipline, and strategy. Avoid the common pitfalls, stick to a solid study plan, and practice consistently. With the right mindset, you’ll not only meet but exceed your expectations on exam day.