From lucky charms to jumping jacks, here are our readers' pre-exam rituals

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Lucy ChristieKaran DadlaniVivian LeeTiffany IpJeanie LiTiffany ChengBelinda NgAnushka PurohitCotrina Fung
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Lucy ChristieKaran DadlaniVivian LeeTiffany IpJeanie LiTiffany ChengBelinda NgAnushka PurohitCotrina Fung |
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1 Precious amulet

A 0.4 increase in my GPA score coincided with my buying a Japanese amulet, or "Omamori", while studying last year. Now, I often make sure I have that amulet in my hands when I say my prayers before exams. Though, truth be told, I believe studying hard is actually more important!

Marilyn Ma, 19, Chinese University

2 In the hot seat

Tape answers to a nearby toilet seat.

Karan Dadlani, 13, Renaissance College

3 Eat away

Eating the "top scorer" congee, which is congee with lean pork, liver and kidney. It sounds pretty gross but it actually tastes heavenly, especially on chilly winter days. I have never actually been the "top scorer" so far, but I still enjoy this congee before every exam.

Vivian Lee, 16, Maryknoll Convent School

4 Time to pray

Before exams I usually pray and ask God to help me get high marks in my exams. I know it's a bit weird but this works 100 per cent for me because it eases my anxiety and makes me feel better.

Tiffany Ip, 14, Maryknoll Convent School

5 Fully switched on

Phones are distracting. So, while studying, I turn off my Wi-Fi so I can concentrate on my studies. I also drink lots of coffee and tea just to keep me awake.

Jeanie Li, 14 Maryknoll Convent School

6 Breathe easy

Right before exams, I close my eyes and meditate for a little while, because there is no point trying to cram in information at the last minute! Instead, I try to relax to lower my adrenaline levels.

Tiffany Cheng, Chinese University

7 Jump start

My must-do exam ritual is jumping jacks! Before an exam, my friends and I head to the toilets to do them together. We jump around and try to shake off the nerves as much as possible. It also gets the blood pumping to our brains. Plus, it helps us make sure that we are going into the exam hall with empty bladders - we cannot waste precious minutes going to the bathroom!

Belinda Ng, 16, South Island School

8 Shopping spree

A week before exams, while I am doing some last-minute cramming, I go on a shopping spree. I spend at least 45 minutes in the supermarket buying all my favourite snacks and coffee drinks. It's always worth it when I get to look forward to eating while studying!

Anushka Purohit, 16, Renaissance College

9 Ready for battle

I am not a superstitious person, but I will feel uncomfortable if I don't do these things before an exam. If I skip these steps, I will sweat, have a headache and give all the wrong answers. The first ritual is all about the hairstyle. I see a tightly-tied ponytail as a way to clear your mind. Secondly, drinking a Starbucks mocha is my key to high grades, as I always burn the midnight oil and end up working late into the night. Last but not least, I bring a lucky token, for example, an eraser or a certain pen I used in an exam I did well in. There you go! You are now ready for battle.

Cotrina Fung, 15, St Mary's Canossian College

10 Brain boost

I eat bananas - they contain natural sugar and lots of vitamins that can enhance our brain power and help us get through long exam papers!

Chow Kit-ying, 17, PLK Laws Foundation College

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