Leaving cert Nightmare

LegacyUser

I am getting very stressed over this leaving cert next month.
I am getting anxious and have had weird Leaving cert related dreams.
I feel I have not done as much study as I feel I should have done, and My parents have arranged for me to go to Germany for 10 days in two weeks which I am not really happy about because its cutting the remaining study time short, and dont know if I can decline this.
Am I being Selfish?
Any advice?
I am probably screwed at this stage.

Victor

Don't worry, I'm 35 and still get those nightmares.

Get a little exercise to work off the stress and avoid things like caffeine and sugary foods (try fruit instead).

wyndham

Go to Germany for what?
Are you doing German?

Faith

It's normal to be nervous. It's the biggest exam you've ever done in your life, and you're lead to believe that it's the be all and end all. If it helps, look at it this way: I'm finishing my second year in Uni, doing a course that, in 6th year, I thought I really wanted to go. Now I'm not really happy with it at all, and will do another degree in something else when I'm finished. I don't know anyone who's all that happy with the course they're doing in college. Most plan on doing a second undergrad degree. Basically, even if you fúck up completely, it's not the end of the world. There are many ways and means to do whatever you like in college, with a bit of patience.

My advice is to make sure you get enough sleep (at least 8 hours a night) and don't try to overload yourself with study. Just do as much as you can take a day. Nobody expects you to get 600 points. Break down what results you need to get in your subjects in order to get your first choice. If you're taking more than 6 subjects, see if there's one you don't have to count, so you don't have to stress yourself out overly studying for it. If you haven't already, make a study timetable for the next 6 weeks. You have loads of time yet! Take plenty of breaks. Generally, people can't pay attention to something properly for more than 40 minutes (for some, it's as low as 20). After that, your concentration goes and you won't learn any more without a break. Make a cup of tea, read a few pages of your book, whatever. Do it for 10 minutes, then do another block of study.

spurious

If the German trip is not essential, I would not go.
It is already causing you added anxiety.

Regardless of what happens in the Leaving Cert., it is not the end of the world. If you do not get what you wanted, you can always repeat, you can take another route to the job or career you want. You can take a different job and go back to university or college later

Once you have your qualification, no-one will ever ask how long it took you to get it, whether it took you a year longer than others, whether you were a mature student, what grades you got in the Leaving Cert..

If you are going on a bus journey and you have a euro to pay the fare, no-one cares if it is a euro coin, two fifty cents or five twenty cent coins. You have the euro and that's all that matters.

axer

Whatever you do - DO NOT STUDY IN YOUR BEDROOM. Do not bring your books into your bedroom. This is the type of thing that really stresses people out and causes them to think about the study all night resulting in a poor sleep.

I still get the odd nightmare about once a year (actually usually around the leaving cert time). I usually dream that I'm in the leaving cert at my desk and just realized that I forgot to study! My god don't I hate those dreams.

The leaving cert is not the be all and end all as Faith said. There are always plenty of ways to get qualified in whatever field you want.

Def make a study timetable and stick to it. Give yourself plenty of breaks You need to eat proper i.e. lots of fruit. Make sure you eat a proper breakfast.

Why have they arranged for you to go to Germany?

LegacyUser

The Germany trip I reckon is being arranged to "clear my head" or thereabouts.
I reckon its to try and get my mind off the exams but that really isn't a good idea with a month left to go.
Thanks.

artnotort

i have the same dream that i'm in the exam hall and in my history exam.
i mess up to the last 10 minutes before the bell and then panic and try to write three essays.
it's horrible.

try to think of things in small steps, even if they're only tiny the next day you can add a bit more and get somewhere.
whatever you do stop thinking of all the things you need to do as a whole.
make a plan to study and stick to it!

axer

thanks again wrote:

The Germany trip I reckon is being arranged to "clear my head" or thereabouts.
I reckon its to try and get my mind off the exams but that really isn't a good idea with a month left to go.
Thanks.

I don't think it is a good idea also unless you are studying german but I'm not sure how good 10 days would be either - the trip would be only good for orals.

If you don't want to go tell them and expain why you don't want to go. Let them know that you appreciate all the help they are giving but you think it would be a distraction. Just explain your reasons well for not going and they should understand.

Tak3n

leaving cert is easy... didn't do any study and i passed everythin.. now finished my first year of college and have forgotten everything i was taught in secondary.

Selphie

Tak3n wrote:

leaving cert is easy... didn't do any study and i passed everythin.. now finished my first year of college and have forgotten everything i was taught in secondary.

I think the OP was looking for a little more reassurance than that.
It annoys me when people in college say, "Omg, there's no need to study! I did nothing and sailed into my course. You're overreacting etc." For us currently doing the LC, it is an awful lot of pressure and a big worry, in particular during the weeks coming up to the exams, and the hardest thing of all is when people try to impress on you the fact that it isn't "a big deal." I think it is quite a big deal, actually, as do most other people I know that are doing it.

I'm doing the LC also, and am starting to have panic attacks. I studied hard for the mocks and got enough for my chosen course at the time. Now I've decided to change my mind and am looking for 500+ points which has placed increased pressure on me. The fact that there is only five and a bit weeks left is starting to scare me, however besides constant studying and exercise (and also some deep breathing) I don't really think that there is much we can do to relax.
Just bear in mind that in seven weeks time, it will all be over, and more than likely won't be anything like we imagined. Just keep doing some solid studying and try to keep as calm as possible. I don't think anyone does as much study as they'd have liked to, tbh. And I don't think you're being selfish, really. Your parents will more than likely understand that you're under a lot of pressure and may even be happy that you're taking your exams so seriously. If they've already paid for it, see if you can come to some sort of compromise, maybe? They may be a little annoyed, but the LC is worth it at the end of the day.

dudara

The Leaving Cert and all the hype surrounding it has changed an awful lot since I sat it (11 years ago this summer). And I feel truly sorry for some of the more susceptible people sitting the exam. Pressure from parents, teachers, friends and most importantly yourself all cause a lot of stress.

I can't fix your problems, but I can try to offer some advice. I personally wouldn't take the trip to Germany, as it seems like a long trip to be taking this time of year. But I would recommend doing something else, maybe a day off completely devoted to you and whatever you like doing.

Make sure to fit in plenty of exercise and fresh air as well. It will do wonders for you when you're feeling stressed and cotton-wool-headed.

luckat

Sorry to hear of your angst, ?????

This is why I think the Leaving should be spread out through two years: Irish in January 2008, French February 2008, maths March 2008, and so on.

Having one test in all subjects in a short run of a couple of weeks, after years of study, is just lunatic.

?????, sometimes I find that if I'm absolutely horrified by something that's about to happen - eeek, I'm going to lose my job; eeek, I'm on the Titanic and it's going down; eeek, I know I'm going to fart in front of this interview board - it helps to sit back and consider, "OK, what happens if the worst comes to the worst?"

That way you can kind of limit the fear.

Let's say you fail your Leaving - at the very worst. If it's your first crack at it, you can sit it again. (Don't study in the same school, though.)

Or you can take another path than the one you were thinking about: look at getting some work - temporarily or permanently - that doesn't require academic success.

This won't necessarily be a huge limitation. I know several successful people who never passed their Leaving, but who made their fortune as self-employed this, that or the others. Not an easy choice, but a choice.

On the other hand, you don't sound as if you've been skiving off. Maybe you should calm down about it all, go and visit Germany - where speaking another language will change where your head's at anyway - and come back refreshed and ready for one last *calm* revise.

lizzyvera

The LC isn't too bad wen you're actually sitting it. The weather is nice out and you get a half day most days. If you work hard now you'll be fine

Daithio

0K, first of all, from my experience people who get stressed about exams tend to be quite intelligent and normally do well in them. If you've been to all your classes, paid attention, and done even just a little work up until this stage there is very little chance you will get a bad leaving cert. There is also still absolutely plenty of time to get more study in.

I was lucky in that I never really got too stressed about exams, but whenever I found I was losing concentration or my mind was wandering while studying I'd do practice questions instead of just learning things off. I found it much easier to concentrate this way.

Also I REALLY agree with what another poster said previously, DO NOT STUDY IN YOUR BEDROOM. I'd go so far as to say do not even study in your house, go to the local library or school study hall or something. When you start to associate your house with study it becomes really hard to relax there and also there are way too many distractions.

I know it's easy for me to say, but take it easy, I'm sure you'll be fine. Just try to focus on past exam questions if you feel you're so stressed you can't study, as I said that worked for me whenever I felt I was losing concentration.

I think going to Germany is a terrible idea. You won't enjoy it at all because you'll just constantly be thinking about what study you could be doing. Tell your parents this and see if it's possible to rebook it for after the exams.

Good luck, honestly I'm sure you'll be fine, and I'm not sure how helpful this is but as a few other posters said the L.C. is important but it really isn't the be all and end all.

Miss Fluff

????? wrote:

I am getting anxious and have had weird Leaving cert related dreams.

I have a degree, a postgrad, have not done an exam for quite some time and I STILL dream I'm sitting the Leaving Cert, particularly when I'm stressed so don't let the dreams worry you, it's natural. Have a glass of warm milk before bed, will help you sleep. Why have your parents arranged for you to go to Germany?

b3t4

????? wrote:

I am getting anxious and have had weird Leaving cert related dreams.

I still have these dreams some 6 or so years since my LC (jee's is it that long ago!)

Am I being Selfish?

Of course you're not. I've absolutely no idea why your parents would organise this. You have to sit them down and explain to them that you don't feel it would be good for you to head away so close to the LC. Also, tell them how you're feeling. You'd be surprised and how much they can help you.

I am probably screwed at this stage.

No your not. The two years leading up to my LC were the worst years of my life due to the LC and other stuff mixed in with it. I couldn't handle the stress at all. In the LC year I was out sick for practically 2days out of every week. I hardly ever did my homework either. So if anyone was screwed I was In the end I did fine, got the course I wanted to do and came out of that with a first class honours degree. Things aren't as hopeless as you think they are.

I knuckled down to things around now and crammed my little heart out. You've 5weeks left use these to your advantage. 5weeks is a long time in the study world. My study tips.

1. Get up early have a good breakfast and start studying.
2. Read the exam papers.
3. Study with the exam papers in mind.
4. Get old exam papers and do them over, and over and over again.
5. Build in breaks for a cup of tea, internet, lunch, dinner and some relaxing time before bed listening to music or watching a bit of telly.

It is possible so chin up and head down. It'll all be over soon.

A

Magic Pips

Don't stress about the LC, it's not the be all etc etc!

I'm 26, have no LC yet work in a 50k+ 9-5'r job. The important thing is to go into it with perspective.

marie_85

I did my Leaving four years ago and I can say that the time leading up to it was one of the worst periods of my life due to the stress that I put myself under. I really do understand what you're going through. The important thing to remember is that it will be over soon.

Regarding studying, just work steadily away. If you feel yourself panicking, get up and go for a walk, listen to some music or just take some deep breaths. Don't study in your bedroom, don't spend ten or twelve hours a day revising.

If your school has a guidance counsellor, I'd recommend going to see him or her and explaining how you're feeling. I did this and it helped a lot. They'll reassure you that you're not the only person to feel this way. Because you're not.

It's funny, I worked hard to get the points I wanted for a course in college. Got them, did the first year of the course and dropped out in my second year because it wasn't right for me. I'm now back in college a couple of years later much happier than I was the first time. Sometimes things have a way of working out even if it's not how you planned them.

Good luck with your exams! The Germany trip may help you put things in perspective, but if you really don't want to go, then talk to your parents about it.

skywalker

luckat wrote:

Sorry to hear of your angst, ?????

This is why I think the Leaving should be spread out through two years: Irish in January 2008, French February 2008, maths March 2008, and so on.

That actually sounds like a damn good idea.

LegacyUser

Ok, thanks for all the advice everyone.
I just have to get cracking, and honestly I haven't really ever skipped classes.
Its just studying with the massive work presented before me freaks me out a bit.
I got about 280 points in my mocks but fluked one of the subjects and If I got that in june I would be on the track to my 1st choice at about 320 points.

Its just If the real exam goes worse that scares me like most other students.
Thanks again, I know deep down it isnt cracked up to be what the media, parents, teachers etc make it out to be, especially with other qualifications etc.
Its just at the moment if feels like a all or none situation.
I hope these five weeks will see me through.

Thanks.

Stepherunie

Gotta say my LC experience was fairly horrible - to the point where they thought I had a stress ulcer aged 18!

Looking back I got overly stressed out about it all. I had a place in england for the course I wanted and even then I couldn't calm down - I was a bit of a nervous wreck.

On the trip thing. I was kind of in the same boat. I won a trip to France for four days that was in April the year I was doing my LC, now the organisers actually offered me a cash alternative because of the fact that I was in LC but my principal turned it down for me (without asking I might add) and she was right, because no matter how much I was stressed out about going and missing classes and study time and everything it did actually clear my head just a little bit and make me a bit calmer in general. So maybe talk to your parents and see - 10 days may be a bit excessive but even a long weekend may suffice to clear your brain a little and destress you.

3 years on from my LC I'm happy as larry in college doing my chosen degree. I didn't get in until the 3rd round of the CAO but I'd never have given up that trip for those blooming 5 points that would have got me in in the second round. Thinking about it I probably would have done worse.

Talk to your parents, they want to help, the fact that they're organising this trip shows that, you are the one who knows what's right for you and they should understand that.

radioactiveman

No - you're not screwed! You still have a month at least, you can do so much in that time. The worst thing is to throw in the towel. There's so much you can memorise in that time.
You could just explain that you can't go to germany and that you'd gladly go in the summer holidays and then don't pay any more heed to it - you could treat them to some ryanair tickets if you get a summer job:D

I have leaving cert nightmares now and again - that I haven't done maths and that I need it (weird I know). It does pass though - if you're determined you'll get into college and do well. Once you've graduated it opens up alot of doors - no matter what you've graduated in:)

stepbar

????? wrote:

Ok, thanks for all the advice everyone.
I just have to get cracking, and honestly I haven't really ever skipped classes.
Its just studying with the massive work presented before me freaks me out a bit.
I got about 280 points in my mocks but fluked one of the subjects and If I got that in june I would be on the track to my 1st choice at about 320 points.

Its just If the real exam goes worse that scares me like most other students.
Thanks again, I know deep down it isnt cracked up to be what the media, parents, teachers etc make it out to be, especially with other qualifications etc.
Its just at the moment if feels like a all or none situation.
I hope these five weeks will see me through.

Thanks.

You don't even want to know what I got for my mocks . I didn't have a powerful LC either - 375points. I've did a hell of a lot better since then. My point is try and not get too worked up about it. God when I think about it, its the most overrated exam out there. Actually I would go on the holiday and chill out for a while and then tear into it for the last month. Would be no harm bringing a revision book.

Mind you, when I did my LC 7 years ago, I started doing proper study two weeks beforehand

Esel

I think people generally do better in the real thing than in the mocks?

You will be fine. Take 10 minutes break after each 50 minutes of studying - otherwise you will not absorb info. Use highlighters to mark important stuff. Write stuff down as you study - really helps you to remember it. Get enough sleep - regular hours.

You will have occasional panic dreams about the LC long into the future! They get more occasional as the years go by.

Start an Omega 3/6 supplement *now* - also very good for the grey matter! Lidl have fish oil capsules for a couple of euro - no taste, just swallow with a drink of water.

On exam days, eat a high-protein breakfast and lunch - good for brain function apparently.

Caryatnid

Hi - all the advice there is good.

However, re Germany. I think anyone who cares about their LC and wants to give it their best shot is mental to go on a 10day break a month before the exams. You could get so much study done in them 10 days which would actually increase your potential points.

Taking a break from the stress/study at this stage should be like taking one day off and going for a walk/picnic/playing soccer/whatever....not a 10 day trip to Germany.

I would definitely not go. Unless of course it was possible to bring all my books, and still get in a good day's study each day (maybe 6hrs). But I definitely don't think it's ideal to get away from your friends and teachers just yet.

~nop~

Don't go to Germany - sure you can go mad once it's over.

And don't stress it - easier said than done I know, but just keep the pressure on and it will do you wonders. Just get your bits of study done then let yourself turn off and take a break, everything in moderation.

Good luck!