Top 10 Mistakes Students Make in WAEC—and How to Avoid Them
Every year, thousands of students sit for WAEC—but many repeat the same avoidable mistakes.
These mistakes don’t just cost marks, they cost entire grades. If you're writing WAEC in 2025, this guide will help you avoid the traps and stay ahead of the game.
Let’s dive into the 10 most common WAEC mistakes—and how you can dodge them.
1. Ignoring the WAEC Syllabus
Mistake: Jumping into random topics or relying only on class notes.
Fix: Use the official WAEC syllabus for each subject. It outlines exactly what will be covered.
2. Depending Too Much on “Expo” or Leaked Questions
Mistake: Wasting time searching for miracle answers.
Fix: Focus on actual preparation. Most of the so-called expos are fake or recycled past questions.
3. Skipping Past Questions
Mistake: Reading textbooks only and not practicing.
Fix: Solve WAEC past questions under exam conditions to learn how WAEC frames its questions.
4. Poor Time Management in the Exam
Mistake: Spending too much time on one question and rushing others.
Fix: Practice using a timer. In the exam, attempt easy questions first and watch the clock.
5. Ignoring Objectives (OBJ) Questions
Mistake: Rushing through multiple choice questions like they don’t count.
Fix: OBJ carries marks too. Be careful with each option; don’t guess blindly.
6. Not Answering the Required Number of Questions
Mistake: Attempting fewer questions than required or answering all when it says “Answer any 3.”
Fix: Read instructions carefully before you begin.
7. Bad Handwriting and Poor Presentation
Mistake: Untidy handwriting, no spacing, or messy diagrams.
Fix: Write clearly. Leave margins and space out your answers. Neatness can help markers read your work better.
8. Not Bringing Required Materials
Mistake: Forgetting mathematical sets, calculators, or ID cards.
Fix: Pack your bag the night before with all your tools. Have a checklist.
9. Last-Minute Reading
Mistake: Reading new topics the night before the exam.
Fix: Use the final days for revision only, not for learning new things.
10. Not Following Exam Hall Rules
Mistake: Talking, cheating, or using banned materials.
Fix: Stay calm, follow instructions, and be honest. WAEC cancels results for exam malpractice.
Final Advice
Avoiding these mistakes can improve your WAEC score significantly. Prepare early, revise smart, and stay disciplined—WAEC success is very achievable!
More helpful WAEC tips and study resources are available on Scholars Demo—keep exploring!