Valencian Community PAU Physics exam-day guide
Valencian Community PAU Physics · Prepare for the day ahead.
Your checklist
Official ID document
Bring the identity document (DNI, passport, or equivalent) that your registration requires. The exact document accepted and whether a photocopy suffices must be confirmed with the organising university or your school before the exam; do not assume a student card is enough.
Exam admission/registration proof
Carry any receipt, registration confirmation, or centre assignment document you received. The specific format required for the PAU in the Valencian Community should be confirmed with your centre or the Universitat de València/Politècnica de València coordination, since procedures can change year to year.
Blue or black ballpoint pens (at least two)
Written answers must be legible. Bring spare pens of the same ink colour; avoid pencil for final answers unless a drawing or graph specifically calls for it.
Pencil, eraser, and sharpener
Useful for graphs, diagrams, and rough work. Keep rough work clearly separated from final answers.
Ruler and, if permitted, a set square/protractor
Geometry and vector problems often need straight lines and measured angles. Confirm with your teacher which drawing instruments are allowed in your centre.
Approved scientific calculator
Check the current PAU calculator rules with your centre: programmable or graphing calculators may be restricted, and memory may need to be cleared. Do not rely on a phone as a calculator - phones are normally prohibited.
Wristwatch (non-smart)
Many rooms lack a visible clock. A simple analogue or digital watch without connectivity helps you pace the sections; smartwatches are usually banned.
Clear water bottle and a light snack
Sessions can be long and rooms may be warm. Bring water in a transparent container and a snack for between papers, subject to centre rules.
Printed formula sheet or summary (for revision only)
Use your own condensed notes while revising in the final days, but leave them outside the exam room unless the centre explicitly allows materials. Never bring unauthorised notes into the room.
Know your centre, room, and session times
Confirm the exact building, room, and start time of each paper with your centre. Arrive with margin for identification checks; late-entry rules vary and should be confirmed with the provider.
Review the official exam structure and instructions
Re-read the official PAU instructions for your subjects (number of questions, options, and scoring) published by the Valencian university coordination. Do not rely on memory of past years' formats.
Plan transport and backup
Decide the route, departure time, and a backup option in case of delays. Aim to be at the centre well before the scheduled start.
Plan the day
Stop learning new material. Re-read your condensed summaries for each subject, focusing on formulas, units, sign conventions, and typical traps (e.g. significant figures, vector direction, energy conservation conditions). Do one timed past-paper-style run per subject under exam conditions, then mark it strictly and list your three most frequent errors.
Confirm logistics: centre address, room, session timetable, ID document, and calculator model. Check the official instructions for each subject's structure and scoring so you know how many questions to answer and whether there are options. Resolve any uncertainty with your centre now, not on the day.
Do targeted revision of your weakest topics rather than broad re-reading. For physics, practise unit conversions, graph reading, and setting out multi-step problems with clear statements of the principle used, the substitution, and the result with units. Rehearse showing working even when the final number is wrong, since method marks matter.
Light revision only: skim summaries and formula lists, then stop. Prepare your bag with ID, pens, pencil, ruler, approved calculator, watch, water, and snacks. Lay out clothes and confirm transport. Eat a normal meal and aim for a full night's sleep; cramming overnight usually costs more marks than it gains.
Eat breakfast, arrive early, and avoid last-minute discussions with other candidates about topics you have not revised. Check you have your ID and calculator. Once seated, read the instructions on the paper carefully before writing.
Read the whole paper and the instructions. Note the marks per question and any choice (e.g. answer a set number from a larger list). Decide your question order, starting with the ones you are most confident about, and allocate time proportional to marks. Write your name and identifying details as instructed.
Show your reasoning: state the principle or formula, substitute values with units, and give the final answer clearly, including units and sensible significant figures. Draw labelled diagrams for forces, circuits, and fields. If you get stuck, move on and return later; leave space to add working. Keep an eye on the clock and reserve the last few minutes to check units, signs, and that you have answered the required number of questions.
Do not spend the break re-analysing answers with others. Eat, hydrate, and briefly review only the summary sheet for the next subject. Keep materials for finished papers out of the exam room.
Rules to check
Bring and display the identity document required by the organising institution. If you are unsure which document is accepted, confirm with the provider or your centre before the exam day.
Follow the instructions printed on the paper and given by invigilators about which questions to answer, how many, and where to write. Answers written outside the designated spaces or in unauthorised materials may not be marked.
Electronic devices other than an approved calculator must normally be switched off and stored out of reach. The permitted calculator type and any memory-clearing requirement should be confirmed with the provider; phones and smartwatches are typically prohibited.
Do not communicate with other candidates during the exam, and do not bring unauthorised notes, books, or formula sheets into the room. Possession of prohibited material can lead to invalidation of the paper.
Arrive on time. Late-entry and extra-time policies vary by centre and year, so confirm them with the provider rather than assuming you will be admitted late.
If you need to leave the room (for example, for health reasons), raise your hand and follow invigilator instructions. Toilet and break rules during a paper should be confirmed with the provider.
Scoring follows the official marking criteria for each subject, including method marks for correct reasoning. Write clearly and show working; do not rely on a final answer alone.
Any request for a review or appeal of your marks must follow the official procedure and deadlines published by the Valencian university coordination. Confirm the exact process and dates with the provider.