Should You Relax or Study Hard the Day Before a GCE Exam?

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The discussion revolves around a user preparing for their first GCE exam in Physics, expressing a lack of motivation to study intensively. They mention engaging in leisure activities like napping and playing the piano instead of focusing on exam preparation. Concerns about calculator usage arise, specifically regarding the TI 83/84 models. Clarification is provided that these calculators are permitted by the Edexcel exam board, although the user is hesitant to purchase one due to cost. The user also questions whether their low stress level is a concern, reflecting a cultural contrast with peers from Hong Kong, who typically study late into the night. Overall, the conversation highlights varying attitudes towards exam preparation and the acceptance of specific tools in the exam setting.
dalcde
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I'm taking my first GCE exam tomorrow (Physics 1), but I don't feel like really working hard for the exam. I've just taken a nap, and played the piano for I while, and now I'm on Physics Forums. Should I be working really hard and practicing instead?

P.S. Are we really allowed to use TI 83/84 on the exam?
 
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It depends on a number of things, including but not limited to study habits, how stressed you are and how prepared for the exam you are. In any case, I think that you will be a better judge for this than any of us here.

Is this for A-Levels or GCSE? As far as I know, graphing calculators are not allowed. Only scientific ones, and they shouldn't be "pre-loaded with anything". You should check with your specific A-Level board though. I'm guessing you're with Edexcel or something.
 
Mépris said:
It depends on a number of things, including but not limited to study habits, how stressed you are and how prepared for the exam you are. In any case, I think that you will be a better judge for this than any of us here.
The problem is that I feel like I'm not stressed at all. Is that a problem?

Mépris said:
Is this for A-Levels or GCSE? As far as I know, graphing calculators are not allowed. Only scientific ones, and they shouldn't be "pre-loaded with anything". You should check with your specific A-Level board though. I'm guessing you're with Edexcel or something.
It is the GCE. The exam board is Edexcel and the instructions given is that TI 83/Plus and TI 84/Plus are allowed. I won't be buying one though (they are expensive...), but I'm just curious.
 
dalcde said:
The problem is that I feel like I'm not stressed at all. Is that a problem?

I don't know. Should it be? :)

It is the GCE. The exam board is Edexcel and the instructions given is that TI 83/Plus and TI 84/Plus are allowed. I won't be buying one though (they are expensive...), but I'm just curious.

If they specifically said that they are allowed, then surely they must be?
 
Mépris said:
I don't know. Should it be? :)

Maybe it's just that I'm accustomed to the "exam > everything" custom in Hong Kong. Most people here just study until very late every day (like 2 or 3 am).
 

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