What GCSEs Are Actually Like (Things No One Tells You)
GCSEs are talked about like this huge, terrifying thing; constant stress, pressure, and panic. But the reality is very different once you’re actually in the exam hall. Most students only realise that after it’s all over.
In this video, David, a former GCSE student shares what the experience is really like - how stress fades, what actually matters, and the small mindset shifts that make exams feel manageable. It’s honest, calming, and especially helpful if you’re feeling anxious or overthinking what’s coming.
Watch this if GCSEs are starting to feel overwhelming.
Things I Wish I Knew Before Doing My GCSEs
Here are a few things I honestly wish I had known before I sat my GCSEs.
1. Exam Stress Disappears Faster Than You Think
One of the biggest surprises was how quickly stress disappeared once the exam started.
About 20 minutes into the paper, once you're actually reading questions and writing, the stress just fades.
Halfway through GCSEs, it felt even easier - I was walking into exams with barely any stress at all.
By the final week, I honestly didn't feel stressed anymore because I'd just got used to it.
2. GCSEs Are Weirdly… Quite Nice?
I didn't realise at the time how nice parts of GCSEs actually were.
Everyone revising together before the exam, talking about questions afterwards, and all being in the same situation.
It felt like a shared experience and looking back, it was actually kind of special.
So honestly, try to cherish it while you can.
3. Cramming the Night Before Doesn't Work
Cramming the night before an exam is basically useless.
You won't remember something you revised for an hour the night before once you're in the exam.
If you didn't know it before, you won't magically know it the next day.
4. Starting Early Makes Everything Easier
You don't need to revise loads at the start - just a bit.
Starting towards the end of Year 10 makes a huge difference.
I didn't revise in the summer holidays, but in Year 11 I revised regularly, and that consistency mattered.
5. Pay Attention in Lessons - It Really Matters
If you haven't revised or paid attention throughout the two years, GCSEs feel much harder than they need to.
Listening in lessons during Year 10 and 11 makes revision later so much easier.
Doing small, regular revision in Year 11 genuinely saves you stress in the long run.
Quick Recap - What GCSEs Are Really Like
- Exam stress fades quickly once you start writing.
- GCSEs are a shared experience - try to enjoy parts of it.
- Cramming the night before doesn't work.
- Starting revision earlier makes everything easier.
- Paying attention in lessons saves stress later.
Knowing this earlier can make GCSEs feel calmer, more manageable, and far less scary.
