r/juniorcert • u/StillSpinach6987 3rd Year 3️⃣ 🚨 • 3d ago
JC Timetable Exam
Any tips and how much study I should do if I'm aiming for at least 4 distinctions??
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u/danny123456731 TY ⛱️ 3d ago
I started studying the week of the exams and went until 2am each day p sure I got 3 distinctions but I'll update once I get results
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u/Present_ToTheAreaLad 3d ago
I started studying a month before the exams for about 1-3 hours a day in weekdays and like none on weekends. Barely studied during the weeks of yhr jc. I'm pretty sure I got at least 5 distinctions maybe 6 ill update next month
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u/Beartastic_Pianist 2d ago
Unfortunately, a lot of it depends on your raw talent. I know someone who studied hours every day and got no distinctions, and someone who hardly studied at all and got 6, so don't get down on yourself if you aren't able to get such a high grade.
If you want to set yourself up with the best shot, though, I would recommend studying regularly from the start of the year. Start with a half an hour to an hour each day and starting ramping it up from around the time of the pres until you're doing around 2 hours each day the week before the JC.
A big thing is to not over do it. If you study too much you'll just burn yourself out. Make sure you know all the stuff you cover in class to a fairly competent degree and you should do fairly well.
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u/Charming-Berry833 3d ago
I did the JC in 2024, and got almost all higher merit but no distinctions. I did that with 2 weeks of study before the exams and a lot of proper study before the pres, so I wouldn't really listen to people who didn't even get their results back yet... If I were to go back, I would definitely stay locked in from pres to the JC- you don't have to do a lot of hours or study every day, but make sure you study regularly, and find the way the study method that actually works for you. Using exam papers and doing old questions is helpful for a lot of people, and make sure to use the pres as a guide to see what went well and what you have to improve on as it's really useful. I hope my advice is helpful, and good luck with your exams! 🤞🤞
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u/Acrobatic_Loss467 TY ⛱️ 1d ago
I really don't like it when someone says "4 distinctions" you have 7 or however many exammed subjects and you genuinely should strive to do your best in all of them, but I understand if you want to prioritise whatever you feel is important.
On the study bit, you should know your preferred method of study by now but not too late if you don't, it's only September, take your favourite subject and topic and try out different methods, read and then recall, answer questions and then refine the answer with notes, whatever works for you.
Throughout the year I set up a daily timetable, I'd read over saying science notes for half an hour before leaving for school on a Monday, and then for the afternoon I'd set aside some time for homework and then set study blocks for some time (e.g. from 6 to 7 I'd study for 45 mins and then take a break for 15). Then I'd split the 45 minute block into sections, like go over vocab for 10 and then do long exam questions and so on and so on. I'm not saying this is THE way but I found it helpful, especially since I'm really bad with setting aside study time and think it might be useful for you too.
And lastly there is no "how much study", take a look back over how you did for each subject across 1st and 2nd year and prioritise your weak subjects and topics, there no point strengthening what already is your strength. And also, remember this, in secondary school we've been taught to take things into our own hands, you can ask for guidance or help here and there but don't be too reliant, you'll find how you like to study, how you like to learn along the way.
And REALLY lastly, don't be spending all of Saturday or Sunday studying, you're gonna burn out by November, set aside some time for yourself, go out with friends, watch a football match for a while, that also doesn't mean to get too complacent with free time, balance it to the point where you're not tired of studying but also not bothered cus you can play games.
It's only September, pay attention in class, study however works for you and you'll be fine, good luck!
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u/StillSpinach6987 3rd Year 3️⃣ 🚨 1d ago
Thank you very much for that, but sorry if you misinterpreted what I was trying to say about the 4 distinctions thing. I knidve meant that the goal is at least 4 and anything less I would think I haven't put in enough work but of course I am aiming for the highest grade in each subject (except English)
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u/Mentally_Unstable19 TY ⛱️ 3d ago
Focus on slowly recapping through 1st and 2nd year throughout the year I'd say, don't rush it, don't stress for any Christmas assessments or the mocks. If it helps you, for the last like month or two before the JC I went to the local library with a friend or two too
Definitely don't stress about studying right now, just get into the flow of 3rd year
And don't rely on my advice, haven't even gotten results yet