With the 2025 UTME beginning on April 24, thousands of students across Nigeria are racing against time to prepare. Scoring 250 and above is not only achievable, it’s necessary for gaining admission into competitive courses and top universities. Whether you’re aiming for Medicine, Law, Engineering, or Mass Communication, these tried-and-true tips will guide your preparation, boost your confidence, and increase your chances of success.Here are 7 smart tips every serious UTME candidate should follow:
Practice with Past Questions
Considering the fact that the date is near, reviewing past questions will help. Most times, past questions are repeated. Practicing past questions helps students become familiar with JAMB’s questioning style, common question patterns, and time constraints. Many top scorers advise simulating real exam conditions while practising, this means using a timer, working without interruptions, and answering the correct number of questions per subject. Practising past questions also sharpens speed and accuracy. UTME questions, especially in science subjects, can be tricky, requiring fast mental calculations and critical thinking. The more familiar a student becomes with the structure, the less likely they are to be caught off guard.
Use Trusted Study Materials
Not all study materials are created equal. While there are many books on the market, candidates should focus on those approved by JAMB or written by reputable academic publishers. Good materials provide clear explanations, example questions, and, often, quick revision notes. In the digital age, many candidates also turn to online resources—YouTube tutorials, educational apps, virtual classes, and mock exams. While these can be helpful, students must ensure they are using verified platforms and not consuming content that is outdated or irrelevant to the 2025 syllabus.
Develop a Study Timetable
A personal study timetable, followed with discipline, is key to consistent progress. UTME preparation cannot be crammed into a few days; it requires sustained effort. A good study plan should allocate more time to subjects or topics the student finds most difficult, while also revising the stronger ones to keep them fresh.
Master the Use of English Paper
The English Language paper is compulsory for all candidates and often the most challenging, as it covers vocabulary, grammar, comprehension, cloze tests, and oral English. A strong English score significantly boosts the overall UTME result. To excel in this paper, students should build a reading habit—newspapers, novels, journals, and essays—broadening their vocabulary and improving their understanding of sentence structure and idiomatic expressions. Grammar drills, cloze passage practice, and comprehension analysis must be regular features of the study routine.
Learn to Manage Time and Stress
One of the biggest hurdles in UTME is poor time management. Each subject has 40 or more questions, and candidates typically have less than two minutes per question. Time must be monitored closely. If a question seems too difficult, it’s better to move on and return to it later than to lose several minutes and risk leaving other questions unanswered. Stress management is equally crucial. Exam anxiety can cloud judgment, reduce speed, and lead to errors. Candidates should learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and mental affirmations, to stay calm during the exam.
Avoid Distractions and Procrastination
Social media, TV, friends, and even family can be major distractions. Preparing for UTME requires personal sacrifice. Students must learn to create study-friendly environments, limit digital distractions, and say no to unproductive activities during preparation hours. This discipline often separates the 250+ scorers from the rest.
Take Care of Your Health
A healthy body supports a healthy brain. Proper sleep, nutrition, hydration, and physical activity enhance cognitive function, concentration, and memory. Burnout is real, and a student who studies non-stop without rest will eventually suffer in performance. Parents and guardians also have a role to play—providing emotional support, creating peaceful environments, and offering encouragement. In stressful periods like this, a kind word or quiet space can go a long way.
