In a few days the Baccalaureate Evaluation for University Access (ABAU in Galicia) begins. This process, made up of a block of mandatory exams and another block of optional exams, is the key for those who want to access university.
The objective of these exams is to contrast the knowledge acquired by students during the high school educational stage, both their basic and advanced skills.
This test generates nerves and stress among the students who take it. For these exams it is necessary to condense the topics taught throughout the school year and study them again and focus on the most important parts. But, if “you have done your homework” the ABAU/EBAU does not have to generate nerves. It is very important to be sure of the knowledge we have and our ability to concentrate.
Who can apply for the EBAU?
These students can take these exams, held during the month of June and July (ordinary and extraordinary call) throughout the Spanish territory:
- Baccalaureate students who want to go to university.
- Students who wish to improve their access and/or admission grades from previous years.
- Students with titles of Higher Technician of Vocational Training, Higher Technician of Plastic Arts and Design or Higher Sports Technician.
- Students with foreign studies approved for high school.
- Estudiantes procedentes de programas internacionales.
Tips to apply during the EBAU days
Have all the necessary material for the exam prepared.
During the previous days, have everything you need to do these tests well located. In case you need a calculator, specific dictionaries, rules, or more, have everything located and in sight so that when the day comes, you don’t forget anything.
The previous days are ONLY for review.
Do not try, during these days, to memorize content or learn new content. Review your notes, in the end you have worked on them for many months and there you have everything you need to ace the exam. Organize all the material by quarters and subjects so as not to leave any topic unreviewed.
Rest well the previous afternoon and that night.
It is very important to rest the necessary hours, to avoid being tired the next day and your body generating symptoms of discomfort, this will only make things more difficult. Therefore, we recommend that you rest, sleep well and gain a lot of energy for the next day. Avoid staying up late studying or getting up too early, remember that there are many hours of exams and you should be as fresh as possible.
Do not forget to take everything you need.
In a hurry or out of nervousness, we can forget our material, therefore, we recommend that you leave everything prepared in your backpack the night before. Bring a couple of pens, as some may be half worn out. Very important!Do not forget the National Identity Document (DNI), since without it, you will not be able to enter the exam.
Keep a positive mindset.
Try to maintain, both the days before and during the exam days, a positive and confident attitude. Keep in mind that you have studied a lot for this moment and are very prepared. Do not doubt what you know, because once you have the exam in front of you, you will see how much more you know. Confidence is the key to success.
Read each question on the exam carefully.
Before you start answering the questions, make sure you have read the entire exam and all the statements carefully. Understand what they are asking of you, sometimes they can cause confusion if you read them too quickly. Don’t rush, take your time before you start answering and do it in a clear and precise way.
Structure the exam well.
It is very important that when you read the exam, you create a structure and start with the parts that you are best at, to complete them first. Organize your ideas and concepts in an outline, include the key points and those you should not forget. With this, you will have a structured, clear and orderly writing.
Distribute time appropriately.
Set a time for each part of the exam. Make sure you don’t spend too much time on one exercise, as you might run out of time for others. Be efficient and make the most of your time. Start with the questions that you know very well and leave time reserved for those that raise doubts, but never start with one that you do not know how to answer, as this will waste more time and you may feel overwhelmed with the following ones. Remember to leave a couple of minutes at the end of the hour to review all the answers and see if there are any spelling mistakes that could deduct points.
Take care of the presentation.
The presentation of the exam and its cleanliness are very important when it comes to correction. Make sure your answers are clear and logically arranged. Use clear language, make your handwriting legible and above all, avoid making spelling and grammatical errors.
Stick to what they ask you.
It is very important that you respond only to what is asked of you in the exercise, do not develop content that has nothing to do with the question. But, if you have the opportunity to argue the answers and justify them including examples, do so, this demonstrates your knowledge and depth on the topic.
By following these tips you will have good results in the test and very soon, you will be starting a new stage. Remember that the EBAU is very important for your academic and professional future, but with good preparation and these tips, you will be able to pass it without problems. Good luck and encouragement!
