Let’s quickly put genius or talent aside. I have known individuals who are perennial below average performers despite the fact that they are apparently endowed with academic talent. At the same time, in my 16 years spent preparing adult private candidates for the West African Senior School Examination (WASSCE), I have come across, really talented students and not – so – talented ones go ahead to achieve extraordinary results.

What I can tell you is that there are certain habits that separate the good performers from the below average or disappointingly low achievers. Below is a list of four such habits of most outstanding candidates in any examination.

1. They have, and follow a study strategy.

Candidates who achieve brilliant grades plan for them. They give enough time to such things as preparing a personal study time – table, the parts of the syllabus to focus on, how to deal with their weak areas, and how to ensure that they are able to use time most efficiently in the examination room. They hardly leave anything to chance.

2. They begin preparations for the examination long before most candidates do.

This way, they’re able to do a detailed study of the majority, if not all of the topics in the syllabus.

3. They hardly complain about their tutors or the examining board.

Another way to put this is to say that successful candidates are in the habit of taking personal responsibility for their performance. To them, the ultimate decider of their success or otherwise in the examination is neither the teacher nor the examiner. It is them.

Therefore rather than waste time blaming others for any perceived difficulties they might be facing, they take determined action to help themselves.

4. Successful candidates repeatedly practice how to answer questions as part of their preparation.

The A or B or even C candidate has this special habit that helps them to go on and perform what their colleagues may consider as wonders. Knowing that practicing beforehand what is expected of them in the examination is the best form of preparation, they spend much of the weeks and months prior to the examination answering standard examination questions. They try, and re – try answering past questions. They time themselves as if they were right there in the exam room.

No wonder, they are those who will not be beaten by time nor deviate in answering any question.

These are just four of the helpful habits of any candidate destined for success.

Do you want to do well in that upcoming test or interview? If your answer is yes, then I urge you to adopt the above habits and you will not be disappointed with your results.