Preparing for JAMB does not always have to mean reading for hours every day or trying to cover every topic at once.
There are some less obvious strategies that can make your preparation more organised and effective. We call them “cheat” ways — not because they involve cheating in the examination, but because they are smart, legitimate and sometimes overlooked approaches to preparing.
Here are seven to try as you prepare for JAMB 2027.
1. Start Before Everyone Else
You do not have to wait until JAMB announces the examination date before you begin serious preparation.
Starting early gives you more time to understand the subjects, identify difficult areas and revise without putting yourself under unnecessary pressure.
2. Turn Your Mistakes Into Study Material
Instead of simply checking your score after practising past questions, pay attention to the questions you got wrong.
Keep a record of those mistakes and revisit them regularly. Your wrong answers can show you exactly where you need more work.
3. Practise Under Time Pressure
Knowing the answer is one thing. Being able to find it within the examination time is another.
Occasionally practise questions with a timer so you can become more comfortable answering questions within a limited period.
4. Don’t Just Read — Test Yourself
After studying a topic, close your textbook or study material and try to explain what you have just learnt.
You can also create questions for yourself and answer them without looking at your notes. This can help you discover what you actually remember.
5. Make Your Phone Part of Your Preparation
Your phone does not have to be only for social media while you are preparing for JAMB.
Use it to access legitimate learning resources, practise questions, watch educational lessons and set reminders for your study sessions.
6. Find Your Weakest Subject Early
Do not spend all your study time on the subjects you already understand because they feel easier.
Identify the areas where you struggle and give them attention early enough. That way, you have more time to improve before the examination.
7. Practise With Past Questions
Past questions can help you become familiar with the kinds of questions you may encounter and expose areas where you need more revision.
But don’t simply memorise answers. Use them to test your understanding and identify topics that require further study.
So, Why Call Them “Cheat” Ways?
The word “cheat” here is only a playful way of describing smart and less obvious preparation strategies.
These are not cheating methods, leaked questions or examination malpractice. They are legitimate ways to organise your preparation, identify your weaknesses and make better use of your study time.
With JAMB 2027 ahead, starting early and preparing consistently can give you more time to learn, practise and improve.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.