How to Pass Post-UTME: 8 Smart Tricks Every Candidate Should Know.
Passing the Post-UTME to many Nigerian UTME candidates is the final hurdle to securing admission into their choice of University. But escaping this hurdle demands a great sacrifice and strategic planning.
Unlike JAMB or WAEC, the Post-UTME is an aptitude test set by individual institutions to ascertain candidates’ intellectual, emotional, and psychological readiness before being admitted into the University.
This screening examination or test can be unpredictable, as different universities adopt different Post-UTME screening formats, making it hard for candidates to predict possible questions.
This article will reveal 8 proven tricks to ace your Post-UTME exams, score higher than your peers, and stand out in the admission list. If you want to know what Post-UTME screening is and why some Nigerian Universities screen candidates before examination? We’ve prepared a special article on that.
1. Know Your School’s Post-UTME Format
The first step to acing your Post-UTME screening is knowing the format your school operates on. Post-UTME screening varies from school to school. Different institutions adopt different formats that best align with their admissions modus operandi. E.g. Rivers State university use CBT format.
Some Universities use Computer-Based Test (CBT), some use pen-and-paper, while others adopt an oral screening format. Whichever format your school operates, having a good knowledge will set you apart from your peers.
Preparation guide: Ask senior students or university staff about the Post-UTME format the school adopts for screening.
2. Revise Secondary Topics
One of the common mistakes candidates make is assuming that because they passed JAMB, they have grown beyond secondary school topics. The reality is, most Post UTME questions are set from the secondary school syllabus.
Success Tips:
- Revisit JAMB syllabus
- Focus on the topic you struggle with in UTME
3. Read Beyond Your Selected Subjects
Remember, Post-UTME is an aptitude test. You are not sure where questions will be generated from, so instead of trapping your knowledge on only your selected subjects, like English Language, Mathematics, Physics, sharpen your current affairs knowledge, stay up-to-date with trending topics in sports, politics, and entertainment.
Questions from these sources are likely to be asked in Post-UTME screening examinations.
Practice guide:
- Read current affairs.
- Have core knowledge about your school, like the name of the current VC, the institution’s founding year, etc.
- Explore trending in all categories, e.g., sports, politics, education, entertainment, etc.
4. Avoid the Past Questions Trap
Past questions can serve as a blueprint in giving you a hint on examination question style. You shouldn’t spend all your preparatory time reading outdated questions, as institutions don’t repeat old questions.
Practice guide:
- Past questions should only serve as a guide to the expected question style, not your primary study material.
- Explore your school’s Post-UTME syllabus and other preparatory materials (if available).
- Stay consistent.
5. Master Time Management Skills
Post-UTME examination often lasts for about 30 minutes. Running out of time is one of the reasons most students fail.
Mastering time management skills will place you at a great advantage over your peers. Here’s how to do it:
- Attempt questions from the least difficult.
- Divide the given time by the number of questions, set a time limit for each, and train yourself to work within that limit.
- Skip difficult questions and return later.
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6. Train Yourself on Basic Computer Skills
In my over 6 years of interviewing Post-UTME candidates, one of the frequent causes of failure is technical-related.
While some schools still operate the paper-and-pen exam format, over 80% of Nigerian universities that conduct Post-UTME screening examinations use the computer-based format.
Sometimes these computers develop technical faults, such as keyboard and mouse malfunctions in the middle of an examination, resulting in candidates’ failure.
To avoid these setbacks, here are some basic computer skills you should know.
- Navigating a computer window with a keyboard where there’s no mouse.
- Launch the onscreen keyboard when the external keyboard fails to operate.
- Troubleshooting common system errors, such as restarting.
- Minimizing window applications.
- Call the attention of your exam supervisor if you notice any technical errors.
7. Adhere Strictly to Your School Exams Instructions
When Post-UTME candidates disobey the outlined examination instructions and get punished, the result is always failure. To avoid this, pay close attention to every detailed Post-UTME-related instruction announced by your school and adhere to them accordingly. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit your school’s official instruction portal dedicated to prospective students and read all instructions applicable to Post-UTME candidates.
- Arrive at the examination venue on time, at least 30 minutes before your scheduled exam time. This will enable you to stay informed if there are changes to rules and regulations or the examination schedule.
8. Stay Confident, Healthy, and Positive
Good health and confidence are underrated secrets to passing Post-UTME screening examinations. Balance study and rest to avoid breaking down before your examination. It will only increase your psychological stress.
How to do it:
- Get enough sleep and eat well before your exams.
- Prepare all required examination materials (Printed exam slips, pen, pencil, eraser) a day before the exams.
- Walk with confidence and don’t panic even if anything goes wrong.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Many candidates have passed Post-UTME with flying colors and sealed their names in the first admission list.
It is not about luck. It’s about preparation, strategy, and smart execution. By understanding your institution’s Post-UTME screening format, practicing past questions, mastering basic computer commands, and staying confident, you can ace your Post-UTME examination and stay ahead of your peers.
Your Post-UTME could be your final key to your admission letter. Early preparation, smart strategy, and execution are the keys to success.
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