Online exams can be stressful, but thorough preparation can help reduce anxiety.
Key points.
First, take care of the technical side in advance. Сheck that your computer, webcam, microphone, and internet connection are all working reliably. Ideally, before exam day, perform a test run on the system (for example, if the exam is on a specific platform or Zoom). That way you’ll know what to expect and you decrease the chance of encountering an unexpected technical issue.
Second, set up a comfortable, quiet environment. Choose a room where you won’t be disturbed, let your household know when you’ll be taking the exam. And close unnecessary programs on your computer that might distract or cause notifications (like messaging apps). Keep everything you’re allowed and might need within reach. A glass of water, permitted notes or formula sheet, scratch paper, etc.. So that you don’t have to get up and inadvertently show off your room to the camera during the exam.
Third, use time management strategies. Often, online exams have a strictly timed window, so if possible, quickly scan through all the questions at the start and allocate your time. Begin with the questions you can answer confidently to build momentum, then move to more difficult ones. If you get stuck on a question, it’s not easy to ask for clarification online in real time. So take a deep breath, skip to the next one, and come back to the tricky one later if time allows. It’s also useful to practice the format. If your university provides sample or mock online tests, take them to get accustomed to the format and interface.
Some secrets.
For peace of mind: remind yourself that you have prepared, and treat it like a normal exam just in a different setting. Before the exam, do some breathing exercises or light stretching to release tension. During the exam, read the questions carefully – misunderstandings can be harder to clear up remotely, so it’s important to grasp what’s being asked the first time. If a technical glitch occurs (e.g., your internet drops temporarily), document it (take a screenshot or immediately notify the instructor) so you have evidence of the problem. Knowing that you’ve done everything possible to prepare, you’ll be able to approach the online exam more calmly and with less stress.
More on our blog.
If you are a student and don’t have enough time to write and format your papers, we recommend that you read the detailed material on our blog. The articles discuss the main criteria for choosing a topic, typical student mistakes, and the requirements of Latvian universities. This will help you avoid mistakes and save time during the writing stage.
Read more here.
More information from universities.
As an additional guide, you can check out examples of student and graduation papers posted in the open archive of the Latvian university Ekonomikas un kultūras augstskola (EKA). The archive contains papers from different years and fields. Which can be useful for a general understanding of the structure and approaches to writing academic papers.
Read more here
Successful defense of your work confirms that you are ready to apply the knowledge you have gained in your professional activities. And solve problems in your chosen field. If you are interested in additional questions related to the preparation of academic work. We recommend that you familiarize yourself with other materials on our blog. They cover the most common difficulties students encounter, the structure of work, and practical recommendations.
