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5 Signs That Your Child Needs Academic Support Before Exams

Exams are often a source of stress for both students and families. It is normal for parents to worry when they see their children feeling nervous, spending long hours studying, or not achieving the expected results. The good news is that many of these difficulties can be detected early and addressed with proper academic support.

Identifying early when children need this support is key to helping them feel confident, improve study habits, and achieve the best academic results. Below, we share five signs that may indicate it’s time to provide extra support:

1. They struggle to keep up with the pace of classes
When a student falls behind, even slightly, the risk is that this small gap will grow. If you notice your child coming home with constant doubts, complaining that they don’t understand the teacher’s explanations, or needing a lot of time to complete homework, they may be losing their foundation.

In these cases, academic support helps clarify concepts and regain confidence before the content becomes more complex.

2. Homework and test grades begin to drop
Partial exams, assignments, and homework are valuable indicators of whether your child is properly assimilating knowledge. If you see that, despite their effort, grades do not improve or even worsen, it is a clear sign that additional help is needed.

Working with a tutor allows them to identify weak points and practice using strategies tailored to their learning style.

3. They spend many hours studying but without results
Many students spend hours in front of books, but this does not always translate into real learning. Your child may be using inefficient study techniques: reading without understanding, memorizing without comprehension, or repeating notes without knowing how to apply them.

Personalized support will help them discover more effective methods, such as diagrams, visual summaries, spaced repetition techniques, or practice exams, optimizing time and reducing frustration.

4. They have difficulty organizing themselves
Organization is a key skill for successfully facing exams. If your child accumulates tasks, doesn’t know where to start, or tends to leave everything until the last minute, it indicates they need support.

With academic support, they will learn to plan better, break tasks into smaller steps, and create study routines that allow for consistent study rather than last-minute cramming.

5. They feel insecure or anxious about exams
Nervousness before an exam is normal, but when anxiety blocks them, lowers self-esteem, or causes them to “draw a blank,” it is a sign that they need more confidence and preparation.

Academic support not only addresses the content but also provides tools to gain confidence, manage pressure, and approach exams more calmly.

Why is it important to act before exams arrive?
Waiting until the last minute can increase pressure and leave students without enough time to recover what they need. Starting support early allows:

  • Consolidation of foundational knowledge and prevention of gaps.

  • Improved organization and study habits.

  • Increased confidence and reduced stress.

  • Preparation with greater calm and security.

At NOVACADÈMIA, we work alongside families. We understand that each student has their own pace and needs. That is why we offer personalized academic support, tailored to the level and subjects that are most challenging. We work closely with families to ensure that your children approach exams calm, confident, and fully prepared to give their best.