Creator Spotlight @jakeglendon

Ahead of the Leaving and Junior Certificate exams next month, we are spotlighting some of our favourite #ExamTok creators in Ireland. Next up this week, we chatted to Jake Glendon (@jakeglendon) who is a student doing the Leaving Cert this June. Jake told us his best study tips, how to maintain a balanced lifestyle coming up to exams, and the importance of a flashcard. Read more below and best of luck to Jake with his exams in June!

Q: Why did you decide to start using TikTok to share study tips and Leaving Certificate tips?

A: Since I was young, I always had an interest in content creation. However, I never really found my niche until 5th year of secondary school. I realised that I could find satisfaction in posting about the Leaving Cert as it was something I felt quite passionate about. I believe obtaining an education is a very important aspect of young people's lives as it can offer us boundless opportunities. I will continue to offer advice to Leaving Cert students after I complete my Leaving Cert in June.

Q: What are your main tips for Leaving Certificate students ahead of the exams?

A: At this point effective study is crucial! Making notes isn't going to cut it. I would recommend using flashcards (Quizlet has 100s of Leaving Cert tailored flashcards, my account included). Flashcards are a method of 'active recall' and the repetition of them ensures the information sticks.

Exam questions are also vital. If you haven't been doing them up to now, you must start. Remember it is never too late! It is important that you know the layout, format, the minimum number of questions to answer and the patterns of the paper to excel in June, thus exam papers are key to success.

Finally, as exams are approaching you need to take care of yourself too. Obtaining at least 7 hours of sleep (8 would be great but as a busy sixth year I know that's very difficult) is necessary to retain information. In addition, I find taking vitamins and supplements is also important if you do not have them included in your diet. Omega three and vitamin C are my go-tos!

Q: What is your favourite TikTok you have made to date and why?

A:This TikTok about my final year in school exemplifies that the Leaving Cert is an incredibly difficult time in young people's lives and deeply resonated with my followers and fellow sixth years. I received hundreds of messages afterwards thanking me for being so open and honest about my experience, which I found really heartwarming and motivated me to continue posting.

Q: What is your favourite leaving cert subject to study and why?

A: Biology and Home Economics are my two favourites, but if I had to choose one I would choose Biology. Although I find it more difficult than Home Ec,I do enjoy it. I have a particular love for the human system chapters. I want to pursue science/nursing in college, so biology will be a foundation for both courses.

Q: What has been the reaction from students and teachers in school since you started posting TikToks?

My classmates have been so supportive about my TikTok which makes it a whole lot easier! In regards to my teachers, only a couple are aware. My biology teacher asked if she could view my TikToks one day in class, after overhearing a conversation about my account, so I showed her. She noticed I made digital flashcards on each topic we had done and was very impressed with the platform I had built. She suggested that the rest of the class should head over and review my flashcards as a form of revision.

Q: What else or who else are you loving on your TikTok For You feed?

A: In regards to study content, I am loving @study.sessions25. They are a fifth-year student. I can benefit from their advice as we do similar subjects. I also enjoy @leavingcertbiology.ie as she is the perfect example of how a teacher should be. Her class is lucky to have her! Aside from studying, my favourite creator is @miriammullins_.

Q: What are some strategies for maintaining a healthy balance between study and relaxation during the exam season?

A: While studying for exams is key to succeeding, relaxation is also a vital aspect that must not be neglected as this can lead to burnout. I recommend getting up early on the weekends and starting your study. This allows you to do small slots. If you do one slot in the morning, one in the afternoon and one in the evening/night that is six hours of solid study completed. You can make these slots as long or short as you want. During the day you can relax, take walks, and spend time with family and friends. This helps me maintain a healthy balance between study and relaxation.

If you find yourself getting distracted when revising, I would recommend the app 'Forest'. Forest is an app that times and tracks your study, and is a great tool if you struggle with procrastination!

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