It’s always an intense start, but by now many of this year’s Leaving Certificate cohort will have the bulk of their exams completed with just a final couple remaining. They may, at this stage, be feeling fed up and done with the exam process, but as the saying goes, “it’s a marathon, not a sprint” and this final lap is just as important as those early exam days.
Staying motivated as the exams progress is “probably the hardest part of the Leaving Cert because the initial adrenaline and the novelty of it has worn off by now and you are just yet at the finish line”, says psychologist Malie Coyne. “It’s very normal to feel like you’re so done with this” she adds, explaining that just like a marathon, you don’t suddenly find a whole new energy reserve. “You pace yourself. You put one foot in front of the other and focus only on the next thing, on the next exam … Don’t think, ‘I have another week of this’. Think, ‘what do I need to do today,’ you know, to prepare myself for tomorrow. And if you don’t even have the motivation, just start packing your bag at the very least.”
It’s difficult for students to study when they’re feeling tired or burned out, but “more hours don’t necessarily equal better results”. She suggests students focus on the “active recall” study method instead, a method discussed by guidance counsellor Donnchadh O’Mahoney on a State exams episode of the Conversation with Parents podcast. “A tired brain doesn’t absorb information well, so short, focused bursts of study of active recall can be much more effective than sitting at a desk for eight hours feeling guilty”.
Leaving Cert stress? A psychologist, a guidance councillor and a parent share their advice
It’s important that students continue with the basics of “sleep, movement, fresh air, proper meals, little moments of pleasure”, Coyne says. “They are part of maintaining your emotional battery. They are not optional. They are absolutely essential.”
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Where previous exams have gone badly, students can be left feeling distracted and unmotivated. “It can come up like a mental trap,” she says. “You replay the questions. You check social media. You compare answers with friends. It gives the illusion that you’re doing something useful, but it actually robs you of energy for the exams that still count.
“We all compare ourselves to others. And because we have this negativity bias as well, we’re going to kind of compare ourselves negatively to others.
“You don’t know your result yet and students are often poor judges of how they’ve done. The most empowering question is, ‘what is within my control right now’?”
Parents full of good intentions can unwittingly add to the stress. “Sometimes, exhausted teenagers don’t need another pep talk. They need practical support and a calm presence.”
Coyne suggests parents support their teenager by asking what food would you like? Helping them with lifts, making the house feel calm. Keeping on with the routine of the other kids. Reminding them to take breaks.
“Avoid constantly asking, ‘have you studied enough?’ Because that just doesn’t work. A lovely question is, ‘what do you need from me today? Can I help you with anything?”
The Leaving Cert is a huge milestone in students’ lives, Coyne continues. “I know many students will be counting down the hours until it’s over, but ... It takes resilience. Keep going, the finish line is in sight”.
